Common Name: Dodder Plant Species: Cuscuta californica Family: Cuscutaceae Photographer: Calvin J. Hamilton Copyright: © 2005 Calvin J. Hamilton Date: 2005/04/14 Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada

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Dodder is a parasitic plant that lives on a variety of shrubs. The twining threads tangle in its host brances. Its source of water comes from the host plant. Its seeds sprout in the soil which then sends up shouts that attack to the woody tissue of shrubs. It sends out runners which bore into its host plant. Once connected to its host it looses its connection with the soil and depends fully on the shrub for its support. Eventually, it will kill its host.

Dodder's bright orange threads are unmistakeable. It is fully edible and very high in beta-carotene.