Phoradendron leucarpum, commonly known as American Mistletoe, is a hemiparasitic evergreen shrub native to Mexico and the United States, including the Southeast, Midwest, and parts of the West Coast. It is often found in the canopies of deciduous hardwood trees, especially oaks and maples, where it forms dense clusters. This plant exhibits a moderate growth rate and can reach sizes that significantly vary depending on the host tree. American Mistletoe has thick, leathery leaves and bears small, greenish-yellow flowers that are inconspicuous and bloom in the winter. The flowers are followed by white berries that are attractive to birds but toxic to humans.

American Mistletoe is valued for its cultural significance, particularly during the Christmas season, and is used for decorative purposes. It is also an important plant for wildlife, providing food and habitat. In cultivation, it requires a host tree to grow and does best in full sun to part shade. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they have medium to fast drainage. While it is not typically grown in gardens due to its parasitic nature, it can be observed in natural settings and used for educational purposes. Care should be taken when introducing this plant outside its native range, as it can become invasive and may harm non-native host trees.CC BY-SA 4.0