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.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is described as resembling "fine strands of orange-brown spaghetti" or "yellow or orange straw" wrapped around other plants. This unique texture might be interesting to pets.
• Dodder is a parasitic vine.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cuscuta californica Hook. & Arn.
• Common Names: Chaparral dodder, California dodder, witch's hair, strangleweed, fideo.
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory) or Cuscutaceae (Dodder)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Subspecies/Varieties:
  • Cuscuta californica var. californica
  • Cuscuta californica ssp. apiculata
  • Cuscuta californica var. papillosa (Rough Chaparral Dodder)
  • Cuscuta californica var. breviflora
• Synonyms: The text does not explicitly list synonyms, but notes different ways the scientific name and subspecies are presented.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Found in many plant communities, including chaparral.
• Grows between sea level and 8,000 feet.

Ecological Role

• Cuscuta californica is a parasitic plant. It obtains nutrients by attaching to a host plant via haustorium.
• The presence of Dodder on Chaparral may indicate the need for burning.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Herbaceous annual vine.
• Resembles fine strands of orange-brown spaghetti or yellow/orange straw.
• Lacks chlorophyll.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Parasitic on many chaparral plants, potentially being the most widely used by certain animals.
• It is eaten by many animals in the chaparral.

Quirky Facts

• Old folk names for dodder include "witch's hair" and "strangleweed."
• One source refers to "a fiery orange mass of dodder" making it hard to miss.