Christmas plants

Decorative plants for Christmas celebrations may include species of Viscum, Lycopodium cernuum, and Acanthus ilicifolius.

[1] Plants commonly used for Christmas decoration and symbolism across Europe include ivy, mistletoe and holly.

[1] Plants specific to German sprays include acacia foliage and the cone-bearing branches of Douglas firs.

[1] By the end of the Middle Ages, English church records commonly referred to buying holly and ivy for seasonal decor.

[4] It was also common for wealthy households to buy greenery, also for decorative purposes; this is reflected in the 16th century Welsh carol, Deck the Halls.

[4] In the Tudor period, kissing boughs were a popular decoration, made by covering crossed hoops with available greenery.

One older tradition involves bringing potted cherry or hawthorn trees indoors, so that they can flower at Christmastime.

[1] Christmas Cactus, thus called because of when it flowers, is native to Brazil but is a popular ornamental plant in North America.

[1] In Texas and Louisiana decorative plants include Christmas fern, chrysanthemums, holly, American mistletoe, and poinsettias.

[1] In southeast region of the country, decorative plants include camellias, holly, mistletoe, privet, quince, and Magnolia grandiflora.