Cuscuta reflexa
Giant dodder
(c) Sagnik Dutta Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Vine · Not Native
Cuscuta reflexa (Giant dodder) is a non-native California vine in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by when present; largest flowers and fruits diagnostic.
Giant dodder is a naturalized parasitic plant found in southern California valleys and coastal regions at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from August to October, this plant produces small clustered flowers in delicate raceme-like arrangements with white to cream-colored petals. Growing as a thin, twining parasitic vine that attaches to woody host plants, it lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on its host for nutrients. Its flowers are distinctive, with five-part structures featuring triangular-ovate lobes and delicate fringed internal scales. The fruit is a small, spherical capsule containing one to four seeds arranged in a puzzle-like cellular pattern.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species when present; largest flowers and fruits diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Woody pls, e.g.,
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: Asia
Bloom period
Cuscuta reflexa blooms Aug-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 reflexa native to California?
No. Cuscuta reflexa is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Cuscuta reflexa bloom?
Cuscuta reflexa blooms Aug-Oct.
What plant family does Cuscuta reflexa belong to?
Cuscuta reflexa is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Cuscuta.
What habitat does Cuscuta reflexa grow in?
Cuscuta reflexa grows in Woody pls, e.g.,.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.