How much sun does Dodder need?

Dodder grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dodder bloom?

Dodder blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Dodder native?

Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Dodder HOA-friendly?

Dodder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Dodder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cuscuta campestris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–96" H × 12"–96" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Dodder is a parasitic vine that lacks chlorophyll and appears as tangled orange or yellow threads wrapping around host plants. It produces small white or cream flowers in summer but relies entirely on other plants for nutrients and support.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dodder takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Parasitic vine that can kill other plants
Creates unsightly orange tangles
Generally considered a noxious weed

Wildlife value

While native, dodder provides limited wildlife value as it primarily serves as a parasitic plant that can weaken or damage host vegetation.

Common questions

How much sun does Dodder need?: Dodder grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dodder bloom?: Dodder blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Dodder native?: Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Dodder HOA-friendly?: Dodder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Dodder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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