Mesquite Mistletoe
Phoradendron californicum
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Santalaceae
- Genus:
- Phoradendron
- Species:
- Phoradendron californicum
- USDA Symbol:
- PHCA8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Emarginea percara, Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Notes:
- Parasitic on host trees; fire response depends on host survival.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor desert soil
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to very dry
- Notes:
- parasitic on desert trees like mesquite
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Seeds require bird dispersal and germinate on host tree branches; viability is short-lived.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI