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bigseed dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta indecora var. neuropetala

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuscuta indecora: Bigseed Alfalfa Dodder

Cuscuta indecora, commonly known as Bigseed Alfalfa Dodder, is a fascinating parasitic plant with several common names that reflect its appearance and habits.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a vine, the plant's stems twine and drape over other plants, which could present a tangling hazard for small pets.
  • Cuscuta species are known to be parasitic, attaching to host plants via haustoria.

Considerations for Children

  • As a vine, the plant's stems twine and drape over other plants, which could present a tangling hazard for small children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta indecora Choisy
  • Family: Convolvulaceae (also listed as Cuscutaceae in some sources)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Cuscuta indecora var. neuropetala (Engelm.) Hitchc.
    • Cuscuta indecora var. longisepala Yunck.
    • Grammica indecora (Choisy) W.A. Weber ssp. neuropetala (Engelm.) W.A. Weber
  • Common Names: Bigseed Alfalfa Dodder, Bigseed Dodder, Pretty Dodder, Largeseed Dodder, Large-seed Dodder, Angel's Hair, Devilguts, Devil's Hair, Beggar Vine, Love Fine, Strangleweed, Western Field Dodder, Greater Dodder.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cuscuta indecora is a Great Plains species, found from Illinois to South Dakota and from Florida to California.
  • It is also found in Mexico.

Ecological Role

  • Dodder is a parasitic plant.
  • In Arizona, dodder is classified as a restricted noxious weed.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cuscuta indecora is a perennial forb/herb and vine.
  • It features numerous fleshy, orange-yellow stems that twine and drape over other plants.
  • As a parasitic plant, it attaches to and feeds off supporting plants via haustoria.
  • Dodders are typically leafless.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Dodder is a parasitic plant, meaning it derives nutrients from other plants (hosts).

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life page about Cuscuta indecora
  • Invasive.org
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)