Oak Mistletoe

Phoradendron leucarpum

''Phoradendron leucarpum'' is a species of mistletoe in the Viscaceae family which is native to the United States and Mexico. Its common names include American mistletoe, eastern mistletoe, hairy mistletoe and oak mistletoe. It is native to Mexico and the south eastern half of the continental US. It is hemiparasitic, living in the branches of trees. The berries are white and 3–6 millimeters . It has opposite leaves that are leathery and thick.
Ingesting the berries can cause "stomach and intestinal irritation with diarrhea, lowered blood pressure, and slow pulse". This shrub can grow to 1 meter by 1 meter .
Oak Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) Growing on a young oak tree in a public park. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/87163/oak_mistletoe_phoradendron_leucarpum.html Fall,Geotagged,Oak Mistletoe,Phoradendron leucarpum,United States

Habitat

Over 60 species of trees are hosts to ''P. leucarpum'', especially trees in the genera of Acer , Fraxinus , Juglans , Nyssa, Platanus , Populus, Quercus , Salix , and Ulmus .
Oak Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) Growing on an oak tree at the edge of a dense mixed forest. There are many ancient traditions associated with mistletoe--including fertility and marriage ceremonies. Kissing boughs were made a popular tradition in the UK in the middle ages. Many Southern North Americans collect mistletoe every holiday season by shooting it from the treetops with shotguns! https://www.jungledragon.com/image/86745/oak_mistletoe_phoradendron_leucarpum.html Fall,Geotagged,Phoradendron leucarpum,United States

Cultural

''Phoradendron leucarpum'' is used in North America as a surrogate for the similar European mistletoe ''Viscum album'', in Christmas decoration and associated traditions , as well as in rituals by modern druids. It is commercially harvested and sold for those purposes.

''Phoradendron leucarpum'' is the state floral emblem for the state of Oklahoma. The state did not have an official flower, leaving mistletoe as the assumed state flower until the Oklahoma Rose was designated as such in 2004.

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderSantalales
FamilySantalaceae
GenusPhoradendron
SpeciesP. leucarpum
Photographed in
United States of America