Gronovius Dodder
Cuscuta gronovii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–120" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CO and 41 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Dodder is a parasitic vine that lacks chlorophyll and appears as orange or yellow stringy stems that wrap around host plants. This unusual annual plant produces small clusters of white flowers from summer through early fall and survives by attaching to and drawing nutrients from other plants.
In an HOA neighborhood
Gronovius 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 nature kills desirable landscape plants
- Stringy orange appearance looks diseased or dead
- Considered a noxious weed in many areas
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a native parasitic plant, it plays a role in natural ecosystem balance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Gronovius Dodder fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.