Christmas Mistletoe
Phoradendron leucarpum
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © douggoldman (iNaturalist #145576920)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Santalaceae
- Genus:
- Phoradendron
- Species:
- Phoradendron leucarpum
- USDA Symbol:
- PHTO2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Carmenta tecta, mistletoe borer (Carmenta phoradendri), Sicya morsicaria, Sicya pergilvaria, Sicya snoviaria, Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, nutrient-rich loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found on host trees in wooded areas