Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata
Mendocino dodder
Photo: parent species Cuscuta pacifica · (c) joergmlpts, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata (Mendocino dodder) is a native California vine in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by very restricted range and papillate surfaces diagnostic.
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.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; very restricted range and papillate surfaces diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: On herbs in coastal interdune depressions
Elevation: 3-7 m
Bloom period
Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata blooms Jul-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 pacifica var. papillata native to California?
Yes. Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata bloom?
Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata belong to?
Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Cuscuta.
Is Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata rare or endangered?
Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata grow in?
Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata grows in On herbs in coastal interdune depressions.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.