Phoradendron juniperinum is a species of flowering plant in the sandalwood family (Santalaceae), commonly known as juniper mistletoe. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Distribution and Habitat
The species has been reported from California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Texas, Chihuahua, and Sonora. It grows in various types of woodland habitat, particularly in pinyon-juniper communities at higher desert and upland elevations.
Host and Parasitism
Phoradendron juniperinum is a hemiparasitic shrub that parasitizes several species of juniper, including Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum), and western juniper (J. occidentalis). It attaches to its host tree via a woody base, tapping into the xylem for water and nutrients. As a hemiparasite, it contains chlorophyll and is capable of performing some photosynthesis on its own.
Morphology
The plant produces many erect and spreading yellow-green branches 20 to 40 centimeters long. The smooth, noded branches bear flattened, scale-like leaves. The species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate individuals. Male and female plants produce different forms of inflorescence with knobby flower clusters. Female flowers yield shiny, light pink spherical berries approximately 4 millimeters in diameter. Birds consume the fruits and disperse the undigested seeds onto tree branches, where they germinate and root.
Taxonomy
The binomial name was authored by George Engelmann ex Asa Gray. A synonym is Phoradendron ligatum Trel.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Several Native American tribes used this mistletoe for medicinal and dietary purposes. Among the Zuni people, an infusion of the whole plant was used for stomachaches. A compound infusion was taken to promote muscular relaxation during childbirth, and a simple or compound infusion of twigs was taken after childbirth to stop blood flow.
