Cuscuta japonica

Photo by Victor Cordova, City of Houston, Urban Forestry Division, Bugwood.org View in Bugwood Image Database Taxonomy Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Solanales Family: Cuscutaceae Genus: Cuscuta Species: japonica Scientific Name Cuscuta japonica Choisy Common Names Japanese dodder

Japanese dodder is an annual, parasitic vine that has recently been introduced into the United States. Japanese dodder is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed. The many-branching stems are fleshy, circular, and pale yellow with red spots and striations. Leaves are minute and scale-like. Flowers are abundant, pale yellow, and sessile. Many species of dodder, some native and some exotic, occur in the United States. Japanese dodder parasitizes host plants by penetrating the vascular tissue of the host with structures called haustoria. Severe infestations can kill host plants. Japanese dodder is native to Asia and several infestations have recently been found in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina.

External Links

• Domestic Programs Pest Evaluation - USDA APHIS PPQ
• Federal Noxius Weed Inspection Guide - USDA APHIS PPQ
• New Pest Advisory Group Data Sheet - USDA APHIS PPQ
• South Carolina Infestation - Clemson University Regulatory and Public Service Programs
• Texas Infestation - Texas Forest Service
• Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules of the U.S. - USDA-APHIS