Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Santalaceae

Genus:

Arceuthobium

Species:

Arceuthobium americanum

USDA Symbol:

ARAM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

20 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Seeds are dispersed by explosive dehiscence; fire may reduce host vigor but the parasite is not fire-dependent.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

nutrient-poor, well-drained sandy soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

parasitic on conifer hosts, not soil-dependent