Arceuthobium douglasii
Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe, Douglas-Fir Dwarf Mistletoe
(c) J Straka, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by J Straka · licence
Family: Viscaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Arceuthobium douglasii (Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe) is a native California shrub in the Viscaceae family, recognized by very small size and simple branching.
Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe is a native parasitic perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and high Cascade Range in mixed-conifer woodland at elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to June, this diminutive plant produces inconspicuous flowers typical of mistletoe. Growing extremely small with green stems less than 2 centimeters long and approximately 1 millimeter wide at the base, it is a specialized parasite of conifer trees. Its stems are almost threadlike, with secondary branches being quite rare. Seeds mature from September to October, allowing the plant to spread and continue its unique parasitic lifestyle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by very small size and simple branching
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Mixed-conifer woodland, on
Elevation: 1500-2000 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Colorado
Bloom period
Arceuthobium douglasii blooms May-Jun.
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 douglasii native to California?
Yes. Arceuthobium douglasii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arceuthobium douglasii bloom?
Arceuthobium douglasii blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Arceuthobium douglasii belong to?
Arceuthobium douglasii is in the Viscaceae family, genus Arceuthobium.
What habitat does Arceuthobium douglasii grow in?
Arceuthobium douglasii grows in Uncommon. Mixed-conifer woodland, 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.