Bigfruit Dodder
Cuscuta megalocarpa

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

Cuscuta megalocarpa is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Grows on various shrubs and herbs, also occasionally found on cultivated crops.

N. America - Minnesota to Montana and south to Colorado.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - parched and ground into a meal.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have virtually no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This is a parasitic species that is devoid of leaves, roots or chlorophyll and so is totally dependant upon its host. It must be grown next to the host plant, which it penetrates with suckers in order to obtain nutriment.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, by lodging it among the stems of a host plant.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. curta. Engelm.