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How to Manage PestsIdentification: Weed Photo Gallery
American or True MistletoesScientific name: Phoradendron spp. (Mistletoe Family: Viscaceae)Click on image to enlarge
American mistletoes are shrubby-stemmed, evergreen perennial broadleaf plants that grow as parasites on woody plants, extracting moisture and nutrients from their host. Plants often develop a roundish form up to 2 feet (60 cm) or more in diameter. All American mistletoe species are native to California. They are found throughout California, except for the North Coast, to roughly 8500 feet (2600 m). Mistletoes are unique in appearance and it is unlikely that they would be confused with other plant species. SeedlingThe cotyledons (seed leaves) are fused. Mature plantLeaves are thick, nearly oval, green, yellowish-green, gray-green, and sometimes reddish. Leaves are opposite to one another along the stem. FlowerFlowers bloom from April through December, but are inconspicuous. FruitBerries are shiny and gelatinous and usually contain one seed surrounded by adhesive tissue. SeedsMistletoe seeds are dispersed via bird droppings, birds' feet and beaks, or by equipment used to trim trees. Only seeds deposited at an ideal point of entry will survive, because following germination, a growing rootlike structure must come in contact with a tree's bud, leaf base, or twig in order to penetrate for nutrients and water. ReproductionReproduce by seed. More information
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