Galveston Bay Field Guide - Japanese dodder
Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:
A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Japanese dodder
Japanese dodder
Additional images can be found at the bottom of this page
Cuscuta japonica

USDA Symbol:CUJA
ITIS TSN:501850
Presence:Current Invaders
Habitat:Terrestrial
Native Range:Asia
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.
Geographic Distribution
Currently only reported in Texas, South Carolina, and Florida. In the Galveston Bay watershed, reported as infesting trees and bushes in suburban areas of southeast Houston.
Introduction Pathways
Discovered in residential areas of Houston near Hobby Airport in 2001 after being introduced to and eradicated from several southern states in the 1970s. Most likely enters as seed in the soil of other imported plants.
Specific Primary Habitats
Capable of growing in a wide range of environments; found in fencerows, abandoned land, and residential yards, attacking trees and bushes.
Identifying Characteristics
A parasitic vine with near non-existent leaves and little chlorophyll. Stems are round, threadlike, and yellow, and twine around the stems of the host plant. Flowers are small (1/8 inches long) and are bell-shaped and cream-colored. Fruit is a small capsule containing up to 4 coffee-grain sized seeds which are rough and irregularly ovate.
Reproduction Characteristics
Germinates in the spring near the soil surface. Flowers in late summer and fruits in early fall. A single plant can produce over 2,000 seeds, which remain viable for up to 20 years. Also reproduces via fragmentation and attachment to a new host.
Growth Characteristics
Grows very rapidly, up to 6 inches/day. As a parasitic vine that penetrates the vascular tissue of its host for water and nutrients, it reattaches to the host plant as it grows. Once established, its connection to the soil terminates.
Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
This parasite threatens native vegetation by killing host seedlings or by making host trees more susceptible to disease. Poses a threat to crops such as alfalfa, asparagus, and tomatoes, in addition to horticultural plants.
Suggested Control Methods
Selective herbicides do not exist, and thus preemergent herbicides, such as trifluralin, close mowing, and burning are preferred. Gardeners should plant non-dodder hosts such as grasses or lilies. Do not buy planting seed known to contain dodder seed.
General Notes
This is a parasitic plant. There are no native species alternatives. Restore an affected area by replacing plant species killed by Japanese dodder.

Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
  • (none)
Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
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Thick mass of intertwining stems of the Japanese dodder at the base of a plant. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS Archives, USDA APHIS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1149110.
Thick mass of intertwining stems of the Japanese dodder at the base of a plant. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS Archives, USDA APHIS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1149110.		 The Japanese dodder intertwines itself in the foliage of plants. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS Archives, USDA APHIS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1149111.
The Japanese dodder intertwines itself in the foliage of plants. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS Archives, USDA APHIS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1149111.		 The Japanese dodder establishing itself at the base of a plant. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS Archives, USDA APHIS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1149112.
The Japanese dodder establishing itself at the base of a plant. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS Archives, USDA APHIS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1149112.		 Infestation of the Japanese dodder creating a mat over the plant canopy. Photo courtesy of Randy Westbrooks, U.S. Geological Survey, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1299192.
Infestation of the Japanese dodder creating a mat over the plant canopy. Photo courtesy of Randy Westbrooks, U.S. Geological Survey, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1299192.
Infestation of the Japanese dodder along a residential fence line. Photo courtesy of Randy Westbrooks, U.S. Geological Survey, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1299196.
Infestation of the Japanese dodder along a residential fence line. Photo courtesy of Randy Westbrooks, U.S. Geological Survey, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1299196.		 Japanese Dodder on an Ash tree (which eventually died) in Houston. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Heintze, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu
Japanese Dodder on an Ash tree (which eventually died) in Houston. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Heintze, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu		 Japanese Dodder strands next to pencil for scale. Photo courtesy of Mary Ketchersid, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu
Japanese Dodder strands next to pencil for scale. Photo courtesy of Mary Ketchersid, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu		 Japanese Dodder strands with developing inflorescences. Photo courtesy of Mary Ketchersid, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu
Japanese Dodder strands with developing inflorescences. Photo courtesy of Mary Ketchersid, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu
Japanese Dodder flowers. Photo courtesy of James Manhart, Texas A&M University Herbarium, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu
Japanese Dodder flowers. Photo courtesy of James Manhart, Texas A&M University Herbarium, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, www.csdl.tamu.edu
Additional images can be found at www.invasive.org
Page Updated/Reviewed: 06/08/2006 2:09 PM