Phoradendron californicum
Desert Mistletoe
Oʼodhamha:kwaḍ (ha:kwadt)
Description
Phoradendron californicum is a parasitic plant that grows in desert trees below about 4000 ft. It may eventually kill the host by starving it of nutrients. The parasite is spread by birds who are attracted to its white, pink, or red tinted fruit. They pass the seeds onto a new host while sitting on the branches of other trees. Phoradendron is usually seen infecting Mesquite, Palo Verdes, Catclaw Acacia, and Ironwood trees.
