Phoradendron leucarpum
American mistletoe
Overview
Phoradendron leucarpum is an evergreen hemiparasitic shrub that grows on the branches of host trees rather than in soil, forming rounded green clumps 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) across. It taps the host water and minerals through root-like structures called haustoria sunk into the bark, while its own green stems and leaves carry out photosynthesis. The opposite leaves are thick, leathery, oval, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, and stay green through winter, so the clumps stand out in the bare crowns of deciduous hosts. Plants are dioecious, with separate male and female individuals bearing tiny stalkless greenish flowers in fall. Female plants ripen clusters of round, white, sticky berries 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide through winter. Birds eat the berries and wipe or pass the seeds onto other branches, where they germinate and infect new wood. It grows on many hardwoods, including oak, elm, hackberry, and walnut, across the southern and eastern United States. All parts, especially the berries, contain toxic phoratoxins and are poisonous to people and pets. One trade-off is the drain on host trees, since heavy infestations weaken limbs and can kill branches.
Native Range
Native to the eastern and southern United States, from New Jersey and Ohio south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. It grows as a branch parasite on hardwood trees in forests, bottomlands, and open country.Suggested Uses
Gathered seasonally as traditional holiday greenery, though the white berries are poisonous if eaten. In the wild it serves as winter food for birds and as cover and nesting material in host crowns.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Tiny greenish, stalkless flowers open along the stem joints in fall, from October to December. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants and are easy to overlook. Female plants follow with white berries that ripen and persist through winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Yellow-green, leatheryGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight