Sign Up for Updates
Integrated Crop Management
Integrated Crop Management
Sign Up for Updates

Dodder

Dodder                          Cuscuta spp.

Family: Convolvulaceae (Formerly in Cuscutaceae family)
Life cycle:  Annual
Native status: There are native and exotic dodder species
Habitat:  Landscapes, nursery crops, alfalfa, other sites with appropriate hosts

General description:  A parasitic vine that lacks chlorophyll and distinct leaves.  Thread like stems are yellow or orange and twine around host plants.  Roots sustain the plant until it is 2-5 in long, and then the seedling attaches to a suitable host and the root ceases functioning.  Can form dense mats that smother the host.  Flowers are small, white to pink, and occur in clusters.

Key ID traits:  Yellow, leafless vine attached to host plant.

Miscellaneous:  Many dodder species are found throughout the U.S.  They vary widely in their host specificity.  In Iowa, alfalfa and other legumes, ragweed, goldenrod and chrysanthemums are hosts commonly attacked by dodder.

dodder on common ragweed
Dodder on common ragweed in greenhouse.  

 

Haustoria on dodder stems penetrate the host and remove nutrients required for growth of the parasitic plant.
Dodder infecting goldenrod in a prairie.

 

Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.
Last Reviewed:

Topics:

Tags: