Etymology: Cuscuta: a name of Arabic derivation meaning "dodder"
Plants: parasitic, annual/perennial, 6"-72" long, herbaceous vine; stems orange and smooth
Leaves: alternate, small
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/8" long, petals with rounded tips; inflorescence a dense cluster of mostly stalkless flowers; blooms July-Oct.
Habitat: moist
Conservation Status: Native - potentially invasive

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"