What is Mistletoe
Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
COMMUNITY
Arroyo Woodland and Creosote Bush Scrub common on mesquite and catclaw, occasionally on creosote bush.
BLOOMS
Early fall; berries available November – April
HABITAT
Parasite on mesquite (Prosopsis sp.) and Catclaw (Acacia sp.)
ELEVATION
Below 4,000 feet (1,333 m.)
TYPE OF SOIL
All hosts plants tolerate salty soil
SOURCE OF WATER
Host plant
HEIGHT
Clusters of individual bunches 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter combine to reach up to 2 to 3 ft (61 to 90 cm.).
POLLINATION
Insects, wildlife
ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL
Mistletoe is a parasite; it draws all its food and water from the host plant, eventually killing the host and itself.
COMMENTS
Mistletoe distribution depends on the birds its berries attract.
The birds, cleaning their beaks, leave seeds on trees and shrubs which sprout into new mistletoe plants.