[Illustration: Cuscuta indecora]
Common name: DODDER
Arizona and Texas deserts. (_Cuscuta indecora_). White. July-August.
California desert. (_Cuscuta denticulata_). Pale yellow. July-August.
Convolvulus family. Size: Vine-like, covering host plant.
Rootless, leafless, and with pale yellow to brownish stems which twine
in vine-like embrace about the host, the parasitic Dodders are
immediately noticeable because of their strange appearance.
Frequently the automobile traveler’s attention is arrested by a pale
yellowish blotch in the green of the roadside vegetation. Examination
shows this to be caused by the matted yellowish stems and the white to
pale yellow, fleshy blossoms. These flowers are attractive and often
abundant enough to make a showy display.
Dodder is found widespread throughout the United States and is often a
serious parasitic pest on crops of economic importance. Desert species
are usually found infesting Mesquite, Goldenrod, Aster, Burrobush,
Seepwillow, and Arrowweed. Although certain Dodders show a preference in
choosing hosts (_C. denticulata_ common on Creosotebush), most of them
grow readily upon various plants.