Dodder
Cuscuta europaea · Convolvulaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around dodder and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Cuscuta europaea
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Plant type
- Parasitic herbaceous climber
- Flowering
- July to September
- Height
- Depends on host plant (up to several meters)
- Foliage
- Reduced, virtually absent
- Hardiness
- Annual, tender
- Origin
- Europe, Asia Minor
Care
Exposure
Greater dodder develops in full sun to partial shade depending on its host plant. Since this parasitic plant derives all its vigor from its host, it is best to prioritize optimal exposure for the infested plant itself.
Watering
No specific watering is necessary: dodder feeds through its suckers directly implanted in the host plant. Hydric maintenance concerns only the support plant.
Soil and substrate
Greater dodder has no terrestrial roots; it absorbs water and minerals from the plant it parasitizes. Soil composition therefore has an indirect effect through the health and vitality of the host.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is applied directly to the dodder. A well-nourished and vigorous host plant will better tolerate parasitic infestation.
Pruning and elimination
The best approach is to remove infested parts of the host plant or, if possible, to manually pull out the orange-yellow filiform stems before they produce seeds. There is no real ornamental maintenance as such, but rather pest control against this parasite.
Parasite control
Dodder itself is not a disease but an obligate parasite. A robust and well-maintained host plant offers more resistance. Early mechanical removal and regular garden cleanup reduce spread through the numerous seeds produced.
Did you know?
Greater dodder is a fascinating obligate parasite: it lacks true roots and its leaves are reduced to tiny scales, making it one of the most "defenseless" plants in European flora. Its orange, wispy filaments inspired popular names like "Venus hair" or "parasitic golden thread." Historically, farmers dreaded its invasion on crops, particularly clover and flax.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Kidney weedDichondra repens
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- Pink EarFalkia repens
- SilverbushConvolvulus cneorum
- Field bindweedConvolvulus arvensis
- Hedge bindweedCalystegia sepium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.