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Noxious Weed Information Project: Japanese Dodder

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Japanese dodder (Cuscuta japonica) in California

Since June 2004, there has been a growing number of detections of a new noxious weed in California, Japanese dodder (Cuscuta japonica). Since May of 2007, detections of Japanese dodder, (JDOD) were made in the counties of Butte, Solano and Sutter bringing the statewide total of counties with infestations of Japanese dodder to fourteen. Statewide there are an excess of 225 sites that are infested with JDOD. Several counties have a single infested site while others have upwards of eighty JDOD infested sites. The majority of infestations were discovered in 2006 and more are expected as surveys for JDOD expand within the state. The CDFA is requesting assistance from other agencies and the public in locating unknown infestations in order to assess the current distribution of Japanese dodder. However, certain parts of the state may have abundant non-invasive native dodder, which could be mistaken for Japanese dodder. Please take care to read the information below about how to discriminate the native and non-native dodder. If in doubt obtain a sample and send to Dr. Fred Hrusa per instructions below.

What is Japanese dodder?

  • An exotic, potentially invasive parasitic vine recently introduced to California.
  • Broad host plant range, from annual herbaceous plants to woody trees and shrubs.
  • Rapid growth: up to six inches per day!
  • Reproduces vegetatively (through stem fragments) and by seed.
  • Native to Asia.
  • Probably introduced via Asian immigrants or visitors as an herbal remedy.

What does Japanese dodder look like?

Where is it likely to be found?

  • Currently, infestations have been found in the counties of Alameda (Oakland), Butte (Oroville), Contra Costa (El Cerrito, San Pablo, Pinole and Richmond), Fresno (Fresno), Merced (Merced & Winton), Shasta (Redding), Sutter (Yuba City), Tulare (Visalia), Yolo (West Sacramento), Yuba (Olivehurst and Marysville), Sacramento (Sacramento), and Los Angeles (Los Angeles).
  • Infestations are highly correlated with Asian immigrant residential neighborhoods.
  • Possibly near roads and freeways.
  • Probable hosts include fruit trees and ornamental shrubs, although it can occur in native plants such as willows and oaks.

How is it different from native dodder species?

  • Japanese dodder is vibrant yellow-green or gold. Native dodders are typically orange.
  • Japanese dodder has thick, robust stems. Native dodder stems are usually more thread or string-like.
  • Japanese dodder infestations are typically large, entirely covering shrubs or trees. Native dodder infestations are likely to be smaller, infecting nonwoody plants or small shrubs.
  • Japanese dodder has been found in residential areas and ornamental plantings. Native dodders are found in wildland areas or crops.
  • Japanese dodder is unlikely to be found in hot, dry desert climates or at high altitudes.

If you find an infestation:

  • Do not attempt to remove or control it with herbicides.
  • Document the Location:
    • GPS coordinates.
    • If GPS is unavailable, write down the address and/or nearest cross streets and/or directions to the site. Be specific!
    • Identify the host plant(s), if possible.
    • Take pictures.
  • Collect a Sample: If flowers and/or seed pods are available, include them in the sample. They may be hard to see and require close observation!
  • If flowers and/or seed pods are unavailable, collect 1 – 2 ft. of stem material.
  • Collect parts that are typical of the infestation.
  • Include a sample of the host plant, especially with flowers and/or fruits.
  • Place the sample in a sealed plastic bag without water.
  • LABEL the sample with the collector name, date, and location.
  • Refrigerate sample if not sending immediately.
  • Send to:

    Fred Hrusa
    California Department of Food and Agriculture
    Plant Pest Diagnostics Center
    3294 Meadowview Road
    Sacramento, CA 95832
  • Call (916) 262-1100 with sampling procedure questions.

If your infestation is confirmed as Japanese dodder:

  • Send direct questions to:

    Terrance Lorick
    Japanese Dodder Program Manager
    tlorick@cdfa.ca.gov (916) 651-0573

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Further Information: