Cuscuta epithymum
dodder
A parasitic, annual, herbaceous plant with slender, leafless, thread-like stems that coil densely around host plants to extract nutrients. Lacking chlorophyll and true leaves, it bears tiny scale-like structures on pink, red, yellow, or purple stems extending up to 1m, depending on host availability. It produces small, white or pink bell-shaped flowers from June to October, held in tight clusters and pollinated primarily by ants, bees, and flies
Other common names
fairies' hairhair weed
see morehell weed
lesser dodder
small dodder
thyme dodder
maiden's hair
ail weed
clover dodder
llindag
Synonyms
Cuscuta trifolii
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple Red Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Pink Purple Red Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple Red Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in open, sunny habitats like heathlands, grasslands, coastal dunes, and sandy or acidic soils. It's particularly common in nutrient-poor, dry conditions where its host plants, such as heather (Calluna) and gorse (Ulex), are abundant
Propagation
Primarily propagates by seed, which can remain dormant in soil for years. Once sprouted, seedlings must quickly locate a host plant or perish
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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