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Description
Phoradendron Leucarpum, commonly known as Eastern Mistletoe, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Santalaceae. It is a small, evergreen shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are leathery, thick, and oval-shaped. It is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Its fruit is a white, berry-like drupe that is toxic to humans but is an important food source for many bird species.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Phoradendron |
Appearance
Phoradendron Leucarpum has a unique appearance due to its parasitic nature. It attaches itself to the branches of host trees using specialized structures called haustoria. Its stems are green and smooth, and it has small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from February to April. Its fruit is a white, berry-like drupe that is about 6 mm in diameter. The leaves of Eastern Mistletoe are thick, leathery, and oval-shaped, and they are a dark green color.
Care Guide
Eastern Mistletoe is a parasitic plant and does not require any care from its host tree. However, if you want to grow Eastern Mistletoe in your garden, you can follow these care tips:
Water: Eastern Mistletoe does not require any additional watering as it gets all of its water and nutrients from its host tree.
Fertilization: Eastern Mistletoe does not require any fertilization as it gets all of its nutrients from its host tree.
Soil: Eastern Mistletoe does not require any soil as it grows on the branches of its host tree.
Sunlight: Eastern Mistletoe prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate low light conditions.
Hardiness Zones: Eastern Mistletoe is hardy in USDA zones 6-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eastern Mistletoe is generally not prone to any significant pest or disease problems. However, it can be affected by mistletoe bugs, which feed on the plant’s sap and can cause damage. Additionally, Eastern Mistletoe can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Habitat
Eastern Mistletoe is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing on the branches of a variety of deciduous and evergreen trees, including oak, hickory, and cedar. It is commonly found in woodland areas and is an important food source for many bird species.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eastern Mistletoe toxic to humans?
A: Yes, Eastern Mistletoe’s fruit is toxic to humans if ingested.
Q: Can Eastern Mistletoe be grown in a garden?
A: Yes, Eastern Mistletoe can be grown in a garden, but it requires a host tree to grow on.
Q: What is the best time to prune Eastern Mistletoe?
A: It is recommended to prune Eastern Mistletoe during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Q: What is the lifespan of Eastern Mistletoe?
A: Eastern Mistletoe can live for several years, but its lifespan depends on the lifespan of its host tree.
Related Plants
- Phoradendron Flavescens
- Phoradendron Serotinum
- Phoradendron Juniperinum
References
- “Phoradendron leucarpum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277427.
- “Phoradendron leucarpum.” University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st326.
- “Eastern Mistletoe.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/phoradendron-leucarpum/.
