American Mistletoe

Phoradendron leucarpum is a species of mistletoe in the Viscaceae family. Its common names include American mistletoe, eastern mistletoe, hairy mistletoe and oak mistletoe. It is native to Mexico and the continental United States. It is hemiparasitic, living in the branches of trees. The berries are white and 3–6 millimeters (0.12–0.24 in). It has opposite leaves that are leathery and thick.

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Is it poisonous?

Considered toxic. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole genus. Mistletoe is a common hemiparasite of trees and shrubs. Toxicity varies by species, but all parts of the plant, especially the leaves and berries, contain an array of dangerous chemicals, including proteins called… Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Phoradendron macrophyllum — considered toxic
• Phoradendron villosum — considered toxic
• Phoradendron coryae — considered toxic

Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

Tracheophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Santalales

Family

Santalaceae

Genus

Phoradendron

Species

Phoradendron leucarpum

More species