Plantae -> Magnoliophyta -> Santalales

Phoradendron leucarpum

These plants are evergreens, with leathery leaves and stems that are brittle and have many branches. It forms white semi-translucent berries.

Life Cycle

Phoradendron leucarpum, or American mistletoe, reproduces sexually like most plants. It then relies on animals and the environment for transport of berries to new branches where they can form a haustorium that allows it to sap nutrients from the tree.

http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/chamberl_case/Reproduction.htm

Host Information and Distribution

P. leucarpum is native to Mexico and grows on oak trees (genus Quercus) across North America. Since it relies on paratenic animal transport or environmental factors, as well as, importantly, healthy oak trees to grow on, its distribution closely follows that of oak species.