Mistletoe white berries that it bears in clusters of two to six. The Eastern mistletoe of North America is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries. The word 'mistletoe' derives from the older form 'mistle' adding the Old English word "tān" (twig). 'Mistle' is common Germanic (Old High German "mistil", Middle High German "mistel", Old English "mistel", Old Norse "mistil"). Further etymology is uncertain, but may be related to the Germanic base for 'mash'. Parasitism has evolved at least 12 times among the vascular plants . Molecular data show the mistletoe habit has evolved
Phoradendron leucarpum Phoradendron leucarpum Phoradendron leucarpum is a species of mistletoe in the Viscaceae family which is native to the United States and Mexico. Its common names include American mistletoe, eastern mistletoe, hairy mistletoe and oak mistletoe. It is native to Mexico and the south eastern half of the continental US. It is hemiparasitic, living in the branches of trees. The berries are white and . It has opposite leaves that are leathery and thick. "Phoradendron leucarpum" is used in North America as a surrogate for the similar European mistletoe "Viscum album", in Christmas decoration and associated traditions (such as "kissing under