What is Mistletoe

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.

What is Mistletoe