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

Cuscuta epithymum var. epithymum (L.) L.
Convolvulaceae (Dodder family)
(Previously in Cuscutaceae)

Introduction to Vascular Plants

© Niall Williams  Email the photographer   (Photo ID #10464)

E-Flora BC Static Map
Distribution of Cuscuta epithymum var. epithymum
Click here to view our interactive map and legend
Details about map content are available here
Click on the map dots to view record details.

Species Information

Click on the image below to view an expanded illustration for this species.



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 to many stalkless, often purplish-tinged flowers in clusters or globular masses; flowers 2.5-3 mm long, with 5 petals/sepals; calyx lobes longer than wide, membranous; corolla tubes longer than the calyces; stigmas long-pointed.
Fruits:
Capsules spherical, opening in an irregularly circular fashion near the base; seeds 4.

Source: The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Habitat / Range

Parasitic, especially on legumes, in the lowland and steppe zones; infrequent in SW and SC BC; introduced from Eurasia.

Source: The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Additional Photo Sources

General References