Phoradendron leucarpum (Raf.) Reveal & M.C. Johnst.

American Mistletoe; Christmas Mistletoe; Oak Mistletoe

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

American Mistletoe is a native evergreen parasitic sub-shrub in the Sandal-Wood family (Santalaceae). It occurs throughout Alabama. American Mistletoe is parasitic on a range of hardwood tree species, but is most common on various members of the Red Oak group, maples, and members of the pear and plum genera. American Mistletoe is a sub-shrub with a ball-like growth form. It grows attached to the branches of the host, often very high in the tree. American Mistletoe has thick, green, brittle stem segments with simple or stellate (star shaped) hairs. The stems become glabrous with age. The leaves are thick, opposite, evergreen, and yellowish green in color. They are petiolate, ovate to spathulate in outline, with entire margins. The leaves are pubescent with simple or stellate hairs. American Mistletoe is a hemi-parasite. It lacks roots and depends on its host for water and nutrients. It does have chlorophyll and can carry out its own photosynthesis. American Mistletoe produces inconspicuous yellow flowers that are followed by bright white berries. There seed are surrounded by a sticky fluid. This fluid dries like Super Glue!! Birds consume the fruit and either rub the seed off their bills on a branch or the seed and sticky fluid pass through the bird’s digestive tract and are deposited in the droppings. The glue dries and holds the seed in place on the host until it can germinate and establish a connection through the bark. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous to humans and pets and should not be consumed. American Mistletoe resembles European Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) and has taken on the cultural significance of that species, especially at Christmas time. European Mistletoe is prominent in Druid and Nordic mythology. In one version of Norse mythology Balder (son of Frigga, the goddess of love) was slain by an arrow made of European Mistletoe. When Balder came back to life, his mother blessed Mistletoe and gave a kiss to anyone passing beneath.-A.Diamond

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Native

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