Cuscuta californica var. papillosa
Chaparral dodder
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Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Cuscuta californica var. papillosa (Chaparral dodder) is a native California vine in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by papillate surfaces diagnostic.
Chaparral dodder is a California native parasitic plant found in the northern Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley, southern Coast Ranges, and southern Coastal regions in chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from March to September, this plant produces small, densely papillate flowers with a distinctive spheric to spheric-depressed appearance. Growing as a threadlike, yellow-orange parasitic vine that attaches to host herbs and shrubs, it lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on its host for nutrition. Its threadlike stems wrap completely around host plants, forming intricate, web-like connections with densely packed, small flowers. The plant produces spheric seeds, typically one to four per flower cluster.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; papillate surfaces diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: On herbs, shrubs in chaparral
Elevation: < 1500 m
California counties: Riverside, Plumas, Butte, San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Monterey, San Benito, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Merced, Mendocino, Ventura
Bloom period
Cuscuta californica var. papillosa blooms Mar-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Cassytha: Cassytha has green color visible on close inspection; Cuscuta is pure orange/yellow with no green.; vs Funastrum: Funastrum has leaves and grows from the ground; Cuscuta is leafless and grows on other plants.; vs Eriogonum: Eriogonum grows from soil with visible leaves; Cuscuta wraps around other plants with no leaves.; vs Epilobium: Epilobium has green leaves and stands upright; Cuscuta is leafless orange strings on host plants.; vs Brandegea: Brandegea has tendrils and leaves; Cuscuta has no leaves, just orange thread-like stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cuscuta californica var. papillosa native to California?
Yes. Cuscuta californica var. papillosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cuscuta californica var. papillosa bloom?
Cuscuta californica var. papillosa blooms Mar-Sep.
Where in California does Cuscuta californica var. papillosa grow?
Cuscuta californica var. papillosa occurs in Riverside, Plumas, Butte, San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Monterey, San Benito and other counties, at elevations of < 1500 m.
What plant family does Cuscuta californica var. papillosa belong to?
Cuscuta californica var. papillosa is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Cuscuta.
What habitat does Cuscuta californica var. papillosa grow in?
Cuscuta californica var. papillosa grows in On herbs, shrubs in chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.