Oak mistletoe, Phoradendron eucarpum (Raf.) Reveal & M.C. Johnst., is the only species east of Texas. It is a parasitic plant that grows from the branches of oak trees as well as other species. An Old World species of mistletoe, Viscum album L., is featured in lots of mythology and the Druids considered it sacred. Most people are only familiar with the Christmas tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. Out in the country such decorations often have holes due to the use of shotguns to dislodge the branches of mistletoe. Due to some toxicity most notably with the old world species care should be taken when mistletoe is used for decorations. The berries are sticky if damaged, therefore, birds are reported to disperse the seed that stick to beaks by rubbing the seeds off on other trees.