Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata

Mendocino dodder

Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2

Mendocino dodder is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the northern California coastal region of Mendocino County in coastal interdune depressions at elevations of 3 to 7 meters. Flowering from July to October, this parasitic plant produces flowers with distinctive papillate (bumpy) calyces. Growing as a slender, thread-like vine that parasitizes other herbaceous plants, it lacks typical leaves and instead attaches to host plants with specialized haustorial structures. As a holoparasitic plant, it completely depends on its host for nutrients, appearing as delicate, tangled golden or orange-yellow strands winding through coastal vegetation. Its small, clustered flowers are notable for their textured, bumpy surface, reflecting its specialized adaptation to coastal interdune habitats.

Habitat: On herbs in coastal interdune depressions

Bloom period: Jul-Oct

Elevation: 3-7 m

Bioregions: NCo (Mendocino Co.).

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.