Native Plants

Plant Database

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Bruso, George H.

Cuscuta polygonorum

Cuscuta polygonorum Engelm.

Smartweed Dodder, Knotweed Dodder

Cuscutaceae (Dodder Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: cupo

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

This is a leafless, rootless, parasitic vine with twining thread-like stems yellow-green to bright orange. It lives on the juices of the host plant.

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Vine
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Inflorescence: Cyme
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Twining stem up to about 20 inches long.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Flowers are 4 parted, sometimes creamy-white or very soft pink.

Distribution

USA: AR , CT , DC , DE , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , ND , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , TN , TX , VA , WI

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Cuscuta polygonorum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Cuscuta polygonorum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cuscuta polygonorum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-09-29
Research By: TWC Staff

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