American Mistletoe: Identification, Uses & Safety Guide
Seen white berries clinging to tree branches in winter and wondered if that’s safe? That’s probably American mistletoe (genus Phoradendron). It’s a native parasitic plant that people notice a lot in fall and winter because it keeps its green leaves when the host tree loses its foliage. Knowing how to identify it and what to do around it matters — especially if you have kids or pets.
How to identify American mistletoe
Look for dense clumps of evergreen leaves high in hardwood trees like oaks and maples. Leaves are usually opposite, smooth-edged, and oval. You’ll often see clusters of small white berries from late fall through winter. Unlike vines, mistletoe grows as a shrub attached to branches. If you break a stem, it may ooze a sticky sap where the plant connects to the tree.
Don’t confuse it with other evergreen plants: mistletoe stays in tree crowns, not on the ground, and forms roundish clumps. European mistletoe (Viscum album) looks similar but is a different species and is more common in Europe; the two are often grouped in research, but their chemistry and uses can differ.
Traditional uses and what research says
People have used mistletoe in folk medicine for a long time — for things like headaches, circulation, or joint pain. Most modern research and clinical use focus on European mistletoe extracts (Viscum album), which have been studied for immune effects in some cancer-supportive care settings. American mistletoe (Phoradendron) is much less studied, so we don’t have solid evidence to support taking it as a supplement.
If you’re curious about mistletoe for health reasons, be cautious. Botanical extracts can vary a lot, some are untested, and dosing is not standardized. Talk to a healthcare provider before using any mistletoe product, especially if you have chronic illness or take other medicines.
People sometimes assume “natural” means safe. That’s not true here: mistletoe contains substances that can irritate the stomach and affect the heart in large amounts.
Safety first: the white berries are the most tempting part for children and pets. Ingesting them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and, rarely, more serious symptoms like low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. If anyone swallows berries, call your local poison control center right away (US: 1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency care.
When handling mistletoe, wear gloves to avoid skin irritation, and don’t use it to make teas or internal remedies yourself. If you want to remove a mistletoe clump from a tree, use proper pruning tools or hire a pro — cutting the branch incorrectly can harm the host tree.
Bottom line: American mistletoe is a distinct, visible winter plant with some traditional uses but limited modern research. Learn to ID it, keep it away from kids and pets, and consult a medical professional before trying any mistletoe-based product.
