Deer Plant: Mistletoe (Phoradendron tomentosum)
Class: browse; highly preferred
Description: An evergreen parasitic shrub on other shrubs and trees. The species’ name refers to the dense hair-like covering on young leaves and stems. Most commonly found on Mesquite and Hackberry found in the central U.S. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can be fatal to humans and livestock, but are enjoyed by white-tailed deer.
Fruits are also eaten by some species of birds.
Mistletoe Photos:
DK, there are a number of reasons deer have left. It likely comes down to habitat condition, but there could be other things involved. How long has your brother owned the proeprty?
My brother in law has a property and it has always been good til this year. We seem to be losing deer. We heard the need mineral and put blocks out and they are not eating it? We feed the right feed and protein, just not sure why our deer are not progressing. Any help would be greatful. Thank you Debbie
I’ve trimmed a tree with a lot of mistletoe in it. I’m going to take it to our hunting land, but I’ve noticed there are a lot of cows roaming around too. Will this hurt the cows if I put it down on the ground? It concerns me.
Bert, mistletoe can be toxic to cattle if eaten in large amounts. So, this seems unlikely unless your tree is completely loaded with it. Cattle are not willing to navigate complex situations, so place the limbs in loose piles or a large, open circle arrangements. This will limit livestock but allow deer access to the mistletoe.