Cuscuta japonica

Japanese dodder

Overview

Appearance: Cuscuta japonica is an annual, parasitic vine that has recently been introduced into the United States. It is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed.
Foliage: The many-branching stems are fleshy, circular, and pale yellow with red spots and striations. Leaves are minute and scale-like.
Flowers: Flowers are abundant, pale yellow, and sessile.
Fruit: Fruits are capsules that are ovoid and 0.2 in. (5 mm) in diameter. The seeds are brown and grouped with 1 to 3 seeds per capsule.
Ecological Threat: Many species of dodder, some native and some exotic, occur in the United States. Cuscuta japonica parasitizes host plants by penetrating the vascular tissue of the host with structures called haustoria. Severe infestations can kill host plants. It is native to Asia and several infestations have recently been found in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina.

Cuscuta japonica