Phoradendron leucarpum False Mistletoe, Oak mistletoe PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Viscaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Santalaceae.

Physical Characteristics

Phoradendron leucarpum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from November to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

P. flavescens. (Pursh.)Nutt.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Abortifacient Contraceptive Oxytoxic

A tea made from the leaves is said to procure abortions and also to prevent conception[213]. It causes an increase in uterine contractions and helps to stop bleeding after parturition[213]. When injected into the blood it increases blood pressure[213].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A parasitic plant, growing on the branches of several deciduous species of trees. It has a wide range of hosts, though it is usually only found on one species in any given area[200]. The host tree must be at least 20 years old[200]. This species is seldom cultivated since it can severely weaken its host[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

This is a parasitic plant that grows entirely on the host tree. To grow it you need to obtain berries and squash them onto the branches of host trees in late autumn and early winter[11]. This is best done on the lower side of the branch[1]. It is then simply a matter of waiting and hoping.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, Oklahoma, Oregon, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada), Mexico (Baja, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán de Ocampo, Querétaro)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(Raf.)Reveal.&M.C.Johnst.

Botanical References

200235

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Phoradendron leucarpum - (Raf.)Reveal.&M.C.Johnst.