[Illustration: Phoradendron californicum]
Common Names: MISTLETOE, DESERT MISTLETOE Arizona and California deserts: (_Phoradendron californicum_). Yellow-green. March. Texas-New Mexico deserts: (_Phoradendron cockerelli_). Yellow-green. Spring. Mistletoe family. Size: Pendant, vine-like strands several feet long.
Because they form conspicuous, dense, shapeless masses in Mesquite, Ironwood, Acacia, Cottonwood, or other trees (depending upon the species of Mistletoe), these parasitic plants attract the attention and arouse the curiosity of persons unfamiliar with the desert. _P. macrophyllum_, which parasitizes Cottonwood trees, is widespread throughout the Southwest, and, because of its large gray-green leaves and glistening white berries is much in demand as a Christmas green. The Mistletoe is the state flower of Oklahoma.
The species of Mistletoe that parasitize such trees as Ironwood, Mesquite, and Catclaw have small, scale-like tawny-brown leaves and stems. The tiny yellow-green flowers which appear in spring are fragrant and secrete nectar which attracts Honeybees and other insects. The handsome coral-pink berries are a major food, during the winter months, for Phainopeplas and other birds. The Arizona Verdin often builds its nest in the protected center of a clump of Mistletoe. Birds are believed to be instrumental in spreading this parasite from tree to tree.
Mistletoe saps the energy of the host tree and, where abundant, may cause considerable damage, killing branches and sometimes the entire tree. Papago Indians dry the berries in the sun and store them for winter food.
[Illustration: Nicotiana trigonophylla Nicotiana glauca]
Common Names: DESERT-TOBACCO, TREE-TOBACCO Arizona and Texas deserts: (_Nicotiana glauca_). Pale yellow. All year. California desert: (_Nicotiana trigonophylla_). Green-yellow. All year. Potato family. Size: Tree-tobacco (_N. glauca_) up to 12 feet. Desert-tobacco, 1 to 3 feet high.
Several species of wild tobacco are found in the desert. Of these, Tree-tobacco is conspicuous because of its rank growth, its large leaves, and the spectacular clusters of tubular, yellow flowers. In addition to nicotine, Tree-tobacco contains an alkaloid, anabasine. This conspicuous plant occurs in moist locations below 3,000 feet elevation and bears flowers throughout the entire year. Although now thoroughly naturalized in the Southwest, it is a native of South America.