Cuscuta nevadensis
Desert dodder
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Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Cuscuta nevadensis (Desert dodder) is a native California perennial in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by geographic isolation in Desert Mountains diagnostic.
Desert dodder is a California native perennial found in the desert mountains in desert habitats at elevations of 400 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from May to October, this parasitic plant produces small, intricate flowers 3 to 4 millimeters long with delicate white to cream-colored parts. Growing as a threadlike, yellow-orange vine that parasitizes other shrubs, it attaches and wraps around host plants without producing its own chlorophyll. Its flowers feature bell-shaped corollas with widely ovate scales and erect to reflexed lobes, creating complex, umbel-like clusters with 1 to 2 flowers. The tiny spheric-ovoid fruit measures 1.4 to 2.1 millimeters wide and contains a single seed.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; geographic isolation in Desert Mountains diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert, on shrubs in
Elevation: 400-1500 m
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Cuscuta nevadensis blooms May-Oct.
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 nevadensis native to California?
Yes. Cuscuta nevadensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cuscuta nevadensis bloom?
Cuscuta nevadensis blooms May-Oct.
What plant family does Cuscuta nevadensis belong to?
Cuscuta nevadensis is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Cuscuta.
What habitat does Cuscuta nevadensis grow in?
Cuscuta nevadensis grows in Desert, on shrubs in.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.