SafePlants

Cuscuta californica: Chaparral Dodder and California Dodder

Cuscuta californica, commonly known as Chaparral dodder or California dodder, is a fascinating parasitic plant native to western North America. Its unique appearance and lifestyle make it a notable species within its habitat.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a vine that entwines itself around host plants, potentially creating a tangled environment.

Considerations for Children

• This plant grows as thin strands, resembling orange-brown spaghetti, which could be a choking hazard for small children if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cuscuta californica Hook. & Arn.
• Common Names: Chaparral dodder, California dodder, witch's hair, strangleweed
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family), Cuscutaceae (Dodder Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms/Subspecies:
  • Cuscuta californica var. californica
  • Cuscuta californica var. papillosa (Rough Chaparral Dodder)
  • Cuscuta californica var. breviflora
  • Cuscuta californica ssp. apiculata
  • Cuscuta californica ssp. breviflora

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Found in plant communities such as chaparral.
• Grows at elevations ranging from sea level to 8,000 feet.

Ecological Role

• Cuscuta californica is a parasitic plant. It lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on host plants for nutrients.
• Its presence can indicate that an area of chaparral may benefit from controlled burning, especially when heavily infesting a host plant.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Herbaceous annual plant.
• Vine-like growth habit.
• Resembles fine strands of orange-brown material draped over other plants.
• The plant is often described as looking like yellow or orange straw wrapped around its host.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It drains nutrition from other plants through structures called haustoria.
• It is eaten by many animals in the chaparral ecosystem.
• Dodder is a major food source for some chaparral animals and is parasitic on many chaparral plants.