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:

10 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Bloom Months:

aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

yellow, green

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

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

Propagation & Germination

Notes:

Seeds germinate on host bark after being explosively discharged from fruits; requires direct contact with suitable pine host (Pinus contorta or P. banksiana).

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI