#oak mistletoe

[stopandlook]

Scientific Name: Phoradendron leucarpum Common Name(s): American mistletoe, oak mistletoe Family: Santalaceae (sandalwood) Life Cycle: Perennial Leaf Retention: Evergreen Habit: Subshrub USDA L48 Native Status: Native Location: Lucas, Texas Season(s): Fall

This is the species most commonly hung as a Christmas decoration in North America. The classic European mistletoe is Viscum album. Mistletoes are obligate hemiparasitic plants, meaning they cannot develop without a host, and if the host dies, so does the mistletoe. It draws water and minerals from the host plant but can photosynthesize its own organic nutrients. In spite of the common name, oak isn’t the only plant it grows on. The white berries are toxic to humans but birds love them.

[collectiveofanimals]

Oak Mistletoe

Phoradendron leucarpum

Phoradendron translates into thief tree, while leucarpum means white berries (or fruit).

Family: Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family)

Fun Fact: The mistletoe is a semi-parasitic and the berries are poisonous to us (although birds love it, and that's how it spreads). 

Habitat: They are endemic to forests and woodlands throughout most of the continental United States and Mexico.