E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

Cuscuta pacifica Engelm.
salt marsh dodder
Convolvulaceae (Dodder family)
(Previously in Cuscutaceae)

Introduction to Vascular Plants

© Deborah Freeman  Email the photographer   (Photo ID #26365)

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Distribution of Cuscuta pacifica
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SUBTAXA PRESENT IN BC
Cuscuta pacifica var. pacifica

Species Information

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General:
Parasitic, leafless perennial herb; stems threadlike, twining and sticking to other plants by means of suckers.
Leaves:
Reduced to tiny scales.
Flowers:
Inflorescence of several stalked flowers in loose clusters or globular masses; flowers 2.0-4.5 mm long, with 5 petals/sepals; sepals free to about halfway to the base; stamens not exserted; stigmas headlike.
Fruits:
Capsules globose, somewhat beaked; seeds usually solitary.

Source: The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Habitat / Range

Parasitic on plants of the Chenopodiaceae and Asteraceae on saline sites in the lowland zone; locally frequent in SW BC, known from S Vancouver lsland, the Gulf Islands and the lower Fraser Valley; S to UT, AZ, CA and MX.

Source: The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

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General References