Phoradendron spp.

Phoradendron spp. is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is moderate. Also known as Leafy Mistletoes, American Mistletoe and Mesquite 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 is a genus of mistletoe, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Americas. The center of diversity is the Amazon rainforest. Phoradendron is the largest genus of mistletoe in the Americas, and possibly the largest genus of mistletoes in the world. Traditionally, the genus has been placed in the family Viscaceae, but recent genetic research acknowledged by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group shows this family to be correctly placed within a larger circumscription of the sandalwood family, Santalaceae.

Common Names

  • Leafy Mistletoes
  • American Mistletoe
  • Mesquite Mistletoe
  • Juniper Mistletoe
  • Broadleaf Mistletoe
  • Oak Mistletoe
  • Bollean Mistletoe
  • Pacific Mistletoe
  • Possum Grape
  • Quacimmila de Canario
  • Cory's Mistletoe
  • Fir Mistletoe
  • Big Leaf Mistletoe
  • Piper Mistletoe
  • Galápagos Mistletoe
  • Incense Cedar Mistletoe
  • Mahogany Mistletoe
  • Hawksworth's Mistletoe
  • Downy Mistletoe

Also recorded as Mistletoe.

Facts

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

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.