Downy Mistletoe
Phoradendron capitellatum
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Santalaceae
- Genus:
- Phoradendron
- Species:
- Phoradendron capitellatum
- USDA Symbol:
- PHCA12
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- nutrient-poor, well-drained sandy soil
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- typically found on host trees in dry areas
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Seeds require bird dispersal and attachment to host tree bark; germination is dependent on host tree contact.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI