Phoradendron juniperinum

Photos by Dr. Curtis Swift, Colorado State University Extension

Juniper mistletoe (Phoradendron juniperinum) is a species of leafless mistletoe that infects Juniperus scopulorum, Juniperus osteosperma, and Juniperus monosperma.  

The following photos were taken on the Colorado National Monument in western Colorado.

The clump of green in the above photo is Phoradendron juniperinum

The color changes to orange as the parasite ages.
Note the dead branches due to the parasitic effect of this mistletoe.

For more information on the mistletoes in Colorado conifers check out http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/02925.html