Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum
(c) M. Socorro González Elizondo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by M. Socorro González Elizondo · licence
Family: Viscaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum is a native California perennial in the Viscaceae family, recognized by largest leaves in genus, shiny yellow-green.
Mistletoe is a native perennial found in northern coastal ranges, northern inner coastal ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley, central western California, southern California, Transverse Ranges, Peninsular Ranges, and desert regions on trees at elevations below 1,200 meters. Flowering from December to March, this plant produces yellow-green flowers on distinctive branching stems. Growing up to one meter long with smooth, generally shiny stems, it develops dense clusters of parasitic growth. Its leaves are yellow-green, broad and flat, reaching up to six centimeters long and five centimeters wide. The plant forms characteristic clusters attached to host tree branches, creating distinctive spherical growths in winter and early spring landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; largest leaves in genus, shiny yellow-green
Habitat and range
Habitat: On trees other than
Elevation: < 1200 m
California counties: San Diego, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Fresno, Tulare, Ventura, Monterey, Riverside, Lake
Outside California: to Colorado, western Texas, Baja California
Bloom period
Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum blooms Dec-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 leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum native to California?
Yes. Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum bloom?
Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum blooms Dec-Mar.
Where in California does Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum grow?
Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum occurs in San Diego, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Fresno, Tulare and other counties, at elevations of < 1200 m.
What plant family does Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum belong to?
Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum is in the Viscaceae family, genus Phoradendron.
What habitat does Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum grow in?
Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. macrophyllum grows in On trees other than.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Phoradendron leucarpum subsp. tomentosum
- Phoradendron sp. — Mistletoe
- Phoradendron bolleanum — Bollean mistletoe
- Phoradendron californicum — Desert mistletoe
- Phoradendron juniperinum — Juniper or incense cedar mistletoe
- Phoradendron leucarpum — American mistletoe
- Viscaceae sp. — Mistletoe family
- Viscum album — European mistletoe
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.