Cuscuta japonica
Synonyms: Cuscuta reflexa var. densiflora, Monogynella japonica
Common names: Japanese dodder
Cuscuta japonica, or Japanese dodder (family Convolvulaceae), is an annual (occasionally perennializing in warm climates), holoparasitic (requires host plant to survive) vine native to East Asia. It can be differentiated from native dodders by its floral features. Due to its parasitic nature, this plant has the ability to weaken or kill a wide range of host plant species through the leeching of nutrients, increasing host susceptibility to pathogens, and smothering under thick mats of the dodder’s fast-growing, twining, spaghetti-like stems. Dodders, including Japanese dodder, are of economic concern due to their ability to affect the health and quality of the multitude of crops, ornamental plants, and native species they infest. Japanese dodder has been introduced outside its native range into various parts of the US, including California, Texas, and South Carolina, although the population in South Carolina has been eradicated. It is also becoming a major pest of both agricultural and natural systems in Kenya. Japanese dodder can produce abundant seeds, but seed production has not yet been documented in California. Instead, it appears to be propagating itself mostly vegetatively from small pieces of stems. It may have been introduced into California intentionally for its value as an herbal medicine.
Cal-IPC Rating: Watch
CDFA Rating: -*?
Assessment(s)
Plant Risk Assessment
Weed Management Notes
No Weed RIC Management Notes are available for this species. Check for information on other species in the genus on the Weed RIC site.Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles
There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.
Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations
Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.
There are no Symposium presentations associated with this species yet.
Other Cuscuta japonica Information
- Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
- CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
- Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
- EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
- GBIF - Global distribution information.
- USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
- The Plant List - Global taxonomic resource and collaborative clearinghouse from Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Missouri Botanic Garden and others.
