Desert Mistletoe
Phoradendron racemosum
insectView on iNaturalist
Parasitic mistletoe plant on desert shrubs (not an insect). Host plant for birds and insects; shapes host plant ecology in drier Bay Area regions.
Plants that support Desert Mistletoe
5 plants
California Alder
Alnus rhombifolia
tree
hemi-parasitic plant hosted on alder branches; provides food and shelter for birds
Bay Area nativeKeystone species
California Sycamore
Platanus racemosa
tree
Parasitic plant that provides habitat structure and winter berries for birds
Bay Area native
Cottonwood
Populus fremontii subsp. fremontii
tree
Parasitic host; provides structural support and food for mistletoe-dependent birds
Bay Area nativeKeystone species
Hind's Black Walnut
Juglans hindsii
tree
Parasitic plant host; provides fruit for songbirds in winter
Bay Area native
Red Willow
Salix laevigata
shrub
Parasitic plant - hemiparasitic on Salix
Bay Area nativeKeystone species