Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Santalaceae

Genus:

Arceuthobium

Species:

Arceuthobium occidentale

USDA Symbol:

AROC

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

10 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Fire Notes:

As a host-dependent parasite on fire-adapted pines, its persistence depends on host survival through fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

nutrient-poor, well-drained sandy soil

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 explosive discharge; parasitic connection required for survival.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI