Phoradendron flavescens

Phoradendron flavescens is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is moderate. Also known as American Mistletoe.

dogs cats horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.

Symptoms to watch for

Vomiting Diarrhea Low Blood Pressure Difficulty Breathing Slow Heart Rate

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Phoradendron leucarpum is a species of mistletoe in the Viscaceae family. Its common names include American mistletoe, eastern mistletoe, hairy mistletoe and oak mistletoe. It is native to Mexico and the continental United States. It is hemiparasitic, living in the branches of trees. The berries are white and 3–6 millimeters (0.12–0.24 in). It has opposite leaves that are leathery and thick. Ingesting the berries can cause "stomach and intestinal irritation with diarrhea, lowered blood pressure, and slow pulse". This shrub can grow to 1 meter (3.3 ft) by 1 meter (3.3 ft).

Common Names

  • American Mistletoe

Also recorded as Christmas Mistletoe, Leafy Mistletoe, Pacific mistletoe, eastern mistletoe, hairy mistletoe and oak mistletoe.

Related plants

More from the Santalaceae family:

Browse all 281 plants

Facts

Family
Santalaceae
Duration
Perennial
Growth habit
Shrub, Subshrub
In the wild
US, MX, BR, CO, CR, CA + more
Source
Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elsewhere

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.