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!
''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.. more
