Parasitic Dodder
(Cuscuta Sp.)
Family: Dodder
Other Names: strangleweed
Description: annual parasitic plant reproducing by seed
Stems: slender, thread-like yellow to orange twining stems coil around and attach to host plants with wart-like suckers
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Leaves: no leaves or green parts
Flowers: tiny white flowers
Seeds: over 16,000 seeds per plant which can remain dormant and viable for over
60 years
Root: aerial roots and suckers
Concern:
Dodder is a parasitic weed that attacks many vegetables, forage crops,
ornamentals and native plants. Dodder attaches to a host plant, drawing off
nutrients until the host is severely suppressed or killed. It can attack and
parasitize any plant material including weeds, vegetables and ornamentals.
Agricultural producers, home gardeners and nursery growers are requested to be
on the lookout for this devastating parasitic plant and to take immediate
corrective action if the weed is found or suspected.
What Can You Do?
- learn to IDENTIFY dodder or take suspect plants to the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food to confirm identification.
- take immediate action by BURNING or otherwise DESTROYING infested plant material.
- thoroughly CLEAN equipment, tools, and footwear before leaving infested areas.
- DO NOT TRANSPORT dodder-infested material unless securely packaged to prevent
seeds and stems from escaping.
- DO NOT HESITATE. Control infested patches IMMEDIATELY.
For more information contact the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
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