Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

I had not planned on or thought about writing a blog about mistletoe and learning about it. I looked up though and noticed it growing in a oak tree in our yard. I use to see it in a very large oak tree that has been gone from our backyard for years. This is the first I've noticed it in this one though. It was easy to see because all the leaves have fallen off. I am familiar with Mistletoe but only because of it's popularity during Christmas. Most think of it as a tradition of kissing under during Christmas. The origin of that tradition goes back many years probably to the ancient Druids. They used it for fertility. Later in the 18th century it had become incorporated into Christmas celebrations. Obviously I know it has nothing to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus! Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant and it grows on a variety of trees and shrubs. All parts are poisonous but Native Americans used it externally to treat Rheumatism. Modern research has found compounds that could be used to treat cancer, hypertension and smooth muscle problems. As always nothing for a novice to experiment with especially when a plant is poisonous. With that said amazing information still seems to be hidden within many plants God put here. 

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron  leucarpum )

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum  )

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )