Etymology: Cuscuta: a name of Arabic derivation meaning "dodder"
Plants: parasitic, annual/perennial, up to 40+" long, herbaceous vine; stems orange and smooth
Leaves: alternate, small
Flowers: 5-parted, tiny, petals with sharp tips; inflorescence a dense cluster of mostly stalkless flowers; blooms June-Oct.
Fruits: white
Habitat: fields, roadsides
Conservation Status: Special Concern

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Royal Society Publishing: " Kin recognition in an annual plant" Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"