Phoradendron californicum
Desert mistletoe, Desert Mistletoe
(c) Jarek Tuszyński, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Viscaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Phoradendron californicum (Desert mistletoe) is a native California shrub in the Viscaceae family, recognized by desert habitat and canescent stems.
Desert mistletoe is a California native perennial found in western Transverse Ranges and desert bioregions on desert landscapes at elevations below 1,200 meters. Flowering from January to March, this plant produces white to red-pink flowers on small fertile branches. Growing with erect to spreading stems 4 to 10 decimeters tall that range from reddish to green and become increasingly glabrous with age. Its leaves are extremely reduced, appearing as tiny scale-like structures less than one millimeter long. The fruit is approximately 3 millimeters long, white to red-pink in color.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; distinguished by desert habitat and canescent stems
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert, on
Elevation: < 1200 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Napa
Outside California: Nevada, Arizona, Baja California
Bloom period
Phoradendron californicum blooms Jan-Mar.
How to tell it apart
vs Viscum: Phoradendron has smaller leaves (<47mm) and berries (3-6mm); Viscum has thick waxy leaves (50-80mm) and large berries (6-10mm).; vs Arceuthobium: Phoradendron has obvious oval leaves and grows >8 inches; Arceuthobium has tiny scales and stays <8 inches on conifers.; vs Eriogonum: Phoradendron grows as leafy mistletoe up in trees; Eriogonum is a ground-level shrub or herb with flower clusters.; vs Quercus: Phoradendron is the leafy parasite growing on the oak; Quercus is the host tree with acorns.; vs Euphorbia: Phoradendron grows as mistletoe in tree canopy; Euphorbia grows at ground level with milky sap when broken.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phoradendron californicum native to California?
Yes. Phoradendron californicum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phoradendron californicum bloom?
Phoradendron californicum blooms Jan-Mar.
Where in California does Phoradendron californicum grow?
Phoradendron californicum occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and other counties, at elevations of < 1200 m.
What plant family does Phoradendron californicum belong to?
Phoradendron californicum is in the Viscaceae family, genus Phoradendron.
What habitat does Phoradendron californicum grow in?
Phoradendron californicum grows in Desert, on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.