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hazel dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta coryli

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (hazel dodder), MD (hazel dodder), OH (hazel do

       

Hazel Dodder (Cuscuta coryli)

Hazel dodder is a rare parasitic plant that attaches to various host plants, often members of the Asteraceae (aster) family.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a vine, Hazel Dodder may present a risk of entanglement.
  • Hazel Dodder is a parasite, thus it attaches to plants with a haustorium, which could potentially be concerning if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta coryli Engelm.
  • Common Name: Hazel Dodder
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Tracheophyta, Magnoliophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Solanales
  • Family: Cuscutaceae, Convolvulaceae
  • Synonym: Grammica coryli

Distribution and Habitat

  • Hazel dodder is native to the U.S.
  • Specimens have been recorded in the ISM Herbarium.

Ecological Role

  • Hazel dodder is a holoparasite, meaning it derives its nutrients entirely from its host plant.
  • It can weaken host plants if it spreads aggressively.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Hazel dodder is a leafless annual vine of indeterminate length.
  • It lacks chlorophyll and is therefore dependent on its host for survival.
  • It attaches to other plants using a structure called a haustorium.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It parasitizes a variety of host plants, including hazelnut, wild licorice, and members of the Asteraceae family.
  • It has been observed attaching to Jewelweed.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Montana Field Guide
  • Discover Life
  • Endangered Resources Program