Mistletoe


American Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) native to North America, and very common in Virginia.

There are more than 30 species of Mistletoe in North America.

Juniper Mistletoe (Phoradendron juniperinum). Photographed in Zion National Park.

Mistletoe is a hemi-parasite, meaning that it performs photosynthesis, but extracts water and nutrients from the host plant.

If you’re considering using American Mistletoe as an indoor decoration, and have children or cats or dogs around, keep in mind, those berries are poisonous.