Common Name:
Field Dodder

Scientific Name:
Cuscuta spp.

Family:
Morning glory (Convolvulaceae)

Plant Description:
Dodder is an annual parasitic plant the reproduces by seed. The plant obtains its food by wrapping itself around a host plant and sending haustoria into the host's stem. It has an orange to yellowish appearance and a twine-like stem. It produces many small white flowers, usually in groups. Flowering can occur during the months of June-August.

Remarks:
In cranberry beds seed germination may occur during the second or third week in may. It usually starts along bed edges and advances inward. It may be very difficult to control once established. Seed may lay dormant in the soil for several years before germinating. Dodder seed may spread from one bed to the next by the use of water for harvest or cuttings for new plantings. In Wisconsin, dodder is widespread but seldom becomes a major factor in limiting cranberry production.