Which type of plants are affected by Leafy mistletoe?

Leafy mistletoe primarily affects woody plants, which include trees and shrubs. This parasitic plant attaches itself to the host, deriving water and nutrients from the host plant. The ability of leafy mistletoe to penetrate the woody tissue of its hosts allows it to thrive on these types of plants, making them particularly susceptible to its effects.

In contrast, grasses, aquatic plants, and perennials do not serve as hosts for leafy mistletoe. Grasses lack the structural features that woody plants possess, making them unsuitable for mistletoe attachment. Similarly, while some perennials may exhibit woody characteristics, not all are affected, and aquatic plants do not provide the necessary environment for mistletoe to develop. Thus, the characteristic interaction between leafy mistletoe and woody plants solidifies the latter as the correct answer.