SafePlants

Compact Dodder (Cuscuta compacta)

Compact dodder, scientifically known as Cuscuta compacta, is a fascinating parasitic plant with a unique lifestyle.

Considerations for Pets

• Compact dodder has stringy stems.

Considerations for Children

• Compact dodder has stringy stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cuscuta compacta Juss. ex Choisy
• Common Name: Compact dodder
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Variety: Cuscuta compacta var. compacta Juss. ex Choisy
• Synonym: Sometimes referred to as Sessile dodder.

Distribution and Habitat

• Compact dodder is native to North America.
• Its range extends into southern New England at its northeastern limit.
• Observed in locations such as Worcester County, Maryland; Richland County, South Carolina; Asheville, North Carolina.
• Documented in the ISM Herbarium.

Ecological Role

• Compact dodder is an invasive species.
• It is a parasite of many herbaceous and woody plants.
• Dodder seedlings must attach to a suitable host within a few days of germination.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is an annual plant.
• It has yellow to orange smooth stems.
• Stems are described as coarse and stringy.
• Flowers are arranged in sessile compact clusters.
• Flowers are very tiny (less than half of an inch)
• Inflorescences are lateral, compact clusters, about 10 mm diameter, of few to many flowers each on pedicels up to 1.5 mm.
• Calyx is cup-shaped with 4 or 5 sepals.

Quirky Facts

• Pawnee girls used Cuscuta compacta to divine the sincerity of their suitors.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Compact dodder is a parasitic plant.
• It attaches to a host plant, such as Jewelweed, to obtain nutrients.
• It parasitizes a variety of other plants.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden