Oak mistletoe

[PHORADENDRON VILLOSUM]

This semi-parasitic plant lives high in the oak canopy, where its roots dig deep into the tree’s vascular system and suck out precious water and nutrients. Mistletoe grows prolifically and produces succulent whitish berries that are toxic to humans but devoured by robins, waxwings and bluebirds each winter. When the birds wipe these sticky seeds off their bills or defecate on tree branches, they plant the next generation of mistletoe.

NATURAL HISTORY

Reviled by arborists, mistletoe can kill trees when a dozen or more clumps take over a canopy. The dense clumps offer safe denning sites for mammals and birds.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Mistletoe appears on bare winter branches as balls of woody stems; a closer look reveals thick, dark-green leaves and tiny flowers or fruit. Male and female plants grow in separate clumps.

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DAVID LUKAS