General: Cory's Mistletoe (Phoradendron coryae) formerly was a subspecies of Oak Mistletoe (Phoradendron villosum), but now is considered a full species. Both species are parasitic on oak trees. The plant appears as clumps of leaves among the lighter-green branches. The stems are light gray-green, the leaves are broad, and the berries are pinkish-white. This form of mistletoe is suitable for Christmas kisses.

Cory's Oak Mistletoe is a common component of vegetation communities with oak trees in the Lower Sonoran (Creosote-Bursage Flats) and Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub) life zones in areas southeast of Las Vegas.

Family: Mistletoe (Santalaceae; formerly Viscaceae).

Other Names: Recently split from Phoradendron villosum. Formerly Phoradendron villosum ssp. coryae

Plant Form: Parasitic plant

Height: Stems to about 3 feet

Bark: Densely short-hairy when fresh, ages to glabrous

Stems: Light gray-green

Leaves: Broad, light gray-green, to about 1 inch

Flowers:

Seeds: Held within small pinkish-white berries

Habitat: Places with oak trees

Elevation: To about 6,000 ft

Distribution: Cory's Oak Mistletoe occurs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Oak Mistletoe (Phoradendron villosum) occurs in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Comments: This form of mistletoe is suitable for Christmas kisses.