Scientific Name
Phoradendron leucarpum (P. serotinum)
Common Name
Mistletoe

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Viscaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with greenish branches, semiparasitic on tree limbs; leaves opposite, simple, oblong, leathery; flowers inconspicuous; fruit a white berry.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas, weedy in disturbed areas, a parasitic plant in deciduous trees.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Berries.
Symptoms
Stomach and intestinal irritation with diarrhea, lowered blood pressure, and slow pulse.
Toxic Principle
Amine.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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