Yes, mistletoe does grow in Florida, where it is a common native plant often seen high in the branches of deciduous trees. This shrub, known mostly for its winter holiday association, has a long history as part of the state’s natural flora. The presence of these evergreen, spherical masses of foliage becomes particularly noticeable in the winter months when the host trees have dropped their leaves. While many people associate the plant with European traditions, the species found in the United States is uniquely American.
Identifying Florida’s Mistletoe
The species found across the eastern United States, including Florida, is American Mistletoe, scientifically named Phoradendron serotinum. This plant is easily recognized by its woody, dichotomously branching stems that form dense, rounded clumps in the host tree’s canopy. Its leaves are leathery, oblong, and remain green throughout the year, typically growing in opposite pairs. The American species produces waxy, white berries, usually in clusters of ten or more, which ripen in the late fall and early winter.
Distribution and Preferred Host Trees
The range of Phoradendron serotinum extends across the southern United States, from New Jersey and Ohio, south to Florida and west to Texas. In Florida, a second, less common species, Phoradendron rubrum, is also found, primarily affecting mahogany trees in the far southern Keys. The main American Mistletoe is generally found in North and Central Florida, becoming less prevalent in the state’s truly tropical southern regions. This plant only grows on deciduous host trees. It is frequently found on a wide variety of hardwoods, including oaks, particularly the red oak group, as well as maples, elms, sweetgum, and wild cherry trees.
The Parasitic Lifestyle
Mistletoe is classified as a hemiparasite, which means it can perform photosynthesis to produce its own food but still relies on its host for water and mineral nutrients. The seed is spread primarily by birds, which eat the sticky, white berries and then excrete or wipe the seeds onto the branches of a new host. The seed is coated in a glue-like substance called viscin, which helps it adhere firmly to the bark. Once attached, the germinating seed develops a specialized root-like structure called a haustorium. This structure penetrates the bark and wood of the host tree, connecting directly to the tree’s vascular system to siphon water and nutrients. While a light infestation generally does not kill a healthy tree, heavy colonization can stress the host, sometimes leading to branch dieback. Despite its parasitic nature, mistletoe serves an ecological function by providing a source of food for certain birds and insects during the winter.
Understanding Mistletoe Toxicity and Tradition
The tradition of “kissing under the mistletoe” is rooted in ancient European myths and folklore, though the American species is now commonly used for holiday décor in the United States. Historically, the plant was a symbol of peace and fertility, with the custom of kissing becoming popularized during the Victorian era. It is important to understand that the American Mistletoe is toxic, and all parts of the plant, including the leaves and white berries, contain a protein toxin known as phoratoxin. While small ingestions rarely lead to severe symptoms in humans, they can cause gastrointestinal upset like nausea and vomiting. The berries and foliage should never be consumed by people or pets. In cases of accidental exposure, it is recommended to contact a poison control center.