Arceuthobium americanum
Lodgepole-pine dwarf mistletoe, Lodgepole-Pine Dwarf Mistletoe
(c) Caleb Catto, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Viscaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arceuthobium americanum (Lodgepole-pine dwarf mistletoe) is a native California shrub in the Viscaceae family, recognized by larger size and whorled branching.
Lodgepole-pine dwarf mistletoe is a California native perennial found in the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada Mountains in lodgepole-pine forests at elevations of 1,300 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from April to May, this parasitic plant produces yellow to yellow-green flowers on small branches. Growing 6 to 18 centimeters tall with slender stems approximately 1 to 2 millimeters wide at the base, it forms distinctive whorled larger branches. Its stems are adapted to growing directly on lodgepole pine trees, with staminate branches yellow and pistillate branches yellow-green. Seeds mature from August to September, completing its distinctive annual lifecycle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by larger size and whorled branching
Habitat and range
Habitat: Lodgepole-pine forest, on
Elevation: 1300-2500 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Colorado
Bloom period
Arceuthobium americanum blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Phoradendron: Arceuthobium is tiny (<8 inches) with scale-leaves on conifers; Phoradendron has obvious oval leaves >8 inches on oaks/shrubs.; vs Pseudotsuga: Arceuthobium grows as yellowish parasite clusters on branches; Pseudotsuga is the green-needled host tree itself.; vs Pinus: Arceuthobium is the yellowish parasitic clump on the pine; Pinus is the host tree with needles in bundles.; vs Viscum: Arceuthobium is scale-leaved dwarf mistletoe on conifers; Viscum has thick fleshy leaves on broadleaf trees.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arceuthobium americanum native to California?
Yes. Arceuthobium americanum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arceuthobium americanum bloom?
Arceuthobium americanum blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Arceuthobium americanum belong to?
Arceuthobium americanum is in the Viscaceae family, genus Arceuthobium.
What habitat does Arceuthobium americanum grow in?
Arceuthobium americanum grows in Lodgepole-pine forest, on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.