Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Santalaceae

Genus:

Arceuthobium

Species:

Arceuthobium californicum

USDA Symbol:

ARCA17

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

10 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

yellow, brown

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

nutrient-poor, well-drained, rocky soil

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

parasitic on conifer hosts, soil less relevant

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds must contact host pine bark to germinate; viscous coating aids attachment. Germination occurs only on suitable host species.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI