Phoradendron serotinum ssp. serotinum
oak mistletoe, mistletoe, american christmas-mistletoe
Family
Viscaceae
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
oblong, obovate
Growth Form
forb, shrub
Flower Month
January, September, October, November, December
Height (meters)
0.2 - 0.4
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Animal Use
The fruits are covered with a sticky substance poisonous to man, but relished by such birds as cedar waxwings and bluebirds. The birds spread the seeds through their droppings and by wiping their beaks on branches, where a new plant may become established.
Habitat
Parasitic on branches of deciduous trees exposed to sun.