Finding Mistletoe in California: Sierra Nevada and North Coast

Mistletoe grows naturally in California, though less abundantly than in the Pacific Northwest or Southeast. Two primary regions:

1. Sierra Nevada Mountains

• Species: Phoradendron villosum (oak mistletoe), P. juniperinum (juniper mistletoe), Arceuthobium spp. (dwarf mistletoes on conifers)
• Host trees: Oaks (black, blue, valley, interior live), junipers, pines, firs
• Elevation: 1,000–7,000 ft
• Best viewing: Winter (evergreen clumps visible on bare deciduous oaks)

2. North Coast / Coastal Ranges

• Species: Phoradendron villosum, P. leucarpum
• Hosts: Oaks, tanoak, madrone, manzanita
• Counties: Mendocino, Humboldt, Sonoma, Napa, Lake

Other Locations

• Southern California mountains (San Gabriels, San Bernardinos) — limited
• Central Valley riparian corridors — scattered
• Urban plantings — ornamental host trees

Important Notes

• Parasitic plant: Mistletoe is a hemiparasite; heavy infestation stresses trees
• Harvesting: On public land, check USFS/BLM/State Park rules; often prohibited or permit required
• Toxicity: Berries poisonous to humans/pets; keep away from children
• Commercial: Most holiday mistletoe sold in CA is imported from Oregon/Washington

For holiday decor, buy from a nursery or florist. For ecology, appreciate it as a keystone species—birds eat berries, nest in clumps; butterflies use as host.