The seeds are covered with a sticky material called “viscin”. Some bird species are reliant on mistletoe berries as a winter food source. In other words, female plants have flowers that are pollinated by male flowers on separate plants resulting in one-seeded berries on the female plants. North American true mistletoes are in the genus Phorodendron and are dioecious. While true mistletoes are considered parasites, they do not readily kill their host and have a few benefits for other species, primarily birds. Since true mistletoe is green and photosynthetic, it does produce its own food. True mistletoes (also called leafy mistletoes) are green plants that utilize another plant, the host, to acquire water and mineral nutrients. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Jeff Schalau, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Mistletoe is a Native Plant - October 14, 2020 Backyard Gardener - Mistletoe is a Native Plant - October 14, 2020
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