Viscum sp.
Mistletoe, Mistletoe
Family: Viscaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Viscum sp. (Mistletoe) is a non-native California shrub in the Viscaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Phoradendron: Viscum has thick waxy leaves (50-80mm) and large berries (6-10mm); Phoradendron has smaller leaves (<47mm) and berries (3-6mm).; vs Cotoneaster: Viscum grows as mistletoe parasite in tree branches; Cotoneaster is a self-rooted shrub growing from the ground.; vs Arceuthobium: Viscum has large fleshy leaves on broadleaf trees; Arceuthobium has tiny scales on needle-bearing conifers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Viscum sp. native to California?
No. Viscum sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Viscum sp. belong to?
Viscum sp. is in the Viscaceae family, genus Viscum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.