Cuscuta sp.
Dodder, Dodder
Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Cuscuta sp. (Dodder) is a non-native California perennial in the Convolvulaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Cuscuta sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Cuscuta sp. belong to?
Cuscuta sp. is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Cuscuta.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.