Cuscuta Californica
Contents
Description
Cuscuta Californica, commonly known as California dodder, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. This plant is native to California and is typically found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It is an annual plant that grows up to three feet long and has thin, yellow-orange stems. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom from April to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Cuscuta |
Appearance
The Cuscuta Californica plant has thin, yellow-orange stems that wrap around the host plant. The plant does not have leaves or roots and relies on its host for nutrients. The small, white flowers of this plant bloom from April to August and are approximately 1/8 inch in diameter. The plant produces small, round, black seeds that are approximately 1/16 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Cuscuta Californica is a parasitic plant and does not require care or maintenance. The plant obtains all of its nutrients from its host plant and does not need water, fertilization, or soil.
Water
Cuscuta Californica does not require water as it obtains all of its moisture from its host plant.
Fertilization
Cuscuta Californica does not require fertilization as it obtains all of its nutrients from its host plant.
Soil
Cuscuta Californica does not require soil as it does not have roots and obtains all of its nutrients from its host plant.
Sunlight
Cuscuta Californica requires sunlight to grow and thrive. The plant typically grows in areas with full sun exposure.
Hardiness Zones
Cuscuta Californica is typically found in hardiness zones 8 through 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cuscuta Californica does not have any known pests or diseases.
Habitat
Cuscuta Californica is native to California and is typically found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. The plant grows on a variety of host plants, including sagebrush, buckwheat, and willow.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cuscuta Californica an invasive plant?
A: Yes, Cuscuta Californica is considered an invasive plant in some areas.
Q: Can Cuscuta Californica harm its host plant?
A: Yes, Cuscuta Californica can harm its host plant by depriving it of nutrients.
Q: How does Cuscuta Californica reproduce?
A: Cuscuta Californica reproduces through the production of seeds.
Q: Can Cuscuta Californica be controlled?
A: Yes, Cuscuta Californica can be controlled through the use of herbicides or by physically removing the plant from the host plant.
Related Plants
- Cuscuta campestris
- Cuscuta epithymum
- Cuscuta europaea
- Cuscuta japonica
References
- “Cuscuta Californica.” Calflora. Accessed 30 June 2021. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2402.
- “Cuscuta Californica.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 30 June 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CUCAC3.
- “California dodder.” California Invasive Plant Council. Accessed 30 June 2021. https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profile/cuscuta-californica-profile/.
