[Illustration: Phoradendron californicum]
Common Names: MISTLETOE, DESERT MISTLETOE
Arizona and California deserts: (_Phoradendron californicum_).
Yellow-green. March.
Texas-New Mexico deserts: (_Phoradendron cockerelli_). Yellow-green.
Spring.
Mistletoe family. Size: Pendant, vine-like strands several feet long.
Because they form conspicuous, dense, shapeless masses in Mesquite,
Ironwood, Acacia, Cottonwood, or other trees (depending upon the species
of Mistletoe), these parasitic plants attract the attention and arouse
the curiosity of persons unfamiliar with the desert. _P. macrophyllum_,
which parasitizes Cottonwood trees, is widespread throughout the
Southwest, and, because of its large gray-green leaves and glistening
white berries is much in demand as a Christmas green. The Mistletoe is
the state flower of Oklahoma.
The species of Mistletoe that parasitize such trees as Ironwood,
Mesquite, and Catclaw have small, scale-like tawny-brown leaves and
stems. The tiny yellow-green flowers which appear in spring are fragrant
and secrete nectar which attracts Honeybees and other insects. The
handsome coral-pink berries are a major food, during the winter months,
for Phainopeplas and other birds. The Arizona Verdin often builds its
nest in the protected center of a clump of Mistletoe. Birds are believed
to be instrumental in spreading this parasite from tree to tree.
Mistletoe saps the energy of the host tree and, where abundant, may
cause considerable damage, killing branches and sometimes the entire
tree. Papago Indians dry the berries in the sun and store them for
winter food.