Plant of the Month
Desert Mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum)
The above listed mistletoe occurs from southern Nevada into Baja California and Sonora. This mistletoe is found on palo verde, desert ironwood, mesquite and other leguminous trees and shrubs. It is classified as a "partial parasite" because it does not depend on the plant for chlorophyl; however it does take moisture and nutrients from the host. Although mistletoe occasionally does kill the host plant, it typically does not and is an important part of the desert ecosystem where it occurs.
One of the most significant roles played by desert mistletoe berries is that the berries are the main winter food of the phainopepla, a member of the silky flycatcher family. The seeds are extremely sticky and are deposited on other host plants when the birds wipe their bills on branches or deposit droppings.
Plant of the Month Archives
December 2008 - Witch Hazel
January 2009 - Winterberry
March 2009 - Desert Ironwood
April 2009 - Marsh Marigold
May 2009 - Serviceberry
June 2009 - Choke Cherry
July 2009 - Northern Bush Honeysuckle
August 2009 - Butterfly-weed
September 2009 - Firecracker bush
October 2009 - Black Swallow-wort
November 2009 - Cranberries
December 2009 - Dogwood
January 2010 - Pinyon Pine
February 2010 - California Sage
March 2010 - Desert Mistletoe