PlantFiles: Oak Mistletoe, American Mistletoe
Phoradendron leucarpum

Mistletoe is a semi-parasite on trees. It is an evergreen shrub that forms clumps 1-3' in diameter on branches of broad-leaved trees. Mistletoe leaves are opposite, thick and leathery, oval to round, and 1-2" long. The flowers are small and inconspicuous and the fruits are white or yellowish berries about a quarter inch in diameter. The bushy clumps, usually on branches near treetop, are most visible in winter on deciduous trees that have lost their leaves. Mistletoe can occur on almost any forest tree. It's common on live oaks. Mistletoe has chlorophyll and produces its own food, but it also has modified roots that extend into the host tree's circulatory system to derive water and minerals. It is not a serious pest, however, and even heavy infestations cause little loss of vigor to the host tree.

Folklore has it: that Mistletoe is the mystic plant of the air, whose roots were up there and not in earth. Mistletoe is used for protecting one from lightning, diseases, misfortunes, fires, by being carried or placed in the appropriate spots. If placed in a cradle it will protect the child from being stolen by fairies and replaced with changelings. A ring carved of its wood will ward off sickness when worn and the plant will cure fresh wounds quickly if carried. Carried or worn for good luck in hunting, mistletoe is also used by women to aid in conception. It is used in spells to capture that elusive state of immortality and to open locks. If laid in the bedroom beneath the pillow, hung on the bedpost, or by the door, it provides restful sleep and beautiful dreams. Burned it banishes evil, and if worn around the neck allows its wearer to attain invisibility.