Japanese Dodder
Cuscuta japonica

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

Cuscuta japonica is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. 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): 1

Where it is found

Parasitic on shrub branches in lowland and low mountains all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Russia, SE Asia, Taiwan, Vietnam, USA.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young growth, boiled and seasoned.

Medicine

Rating: 2

A sweet, pungent herb that acts mainly as a liver and kidney stimulant, the seed of Japanese dodder is aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, enuresis, hepatic and tonic. A decoction of the seed is used to treat a variety of complaints including diarrhoea, vaginal discharge, enuresis, backache, constipation and impotence. The young shoots are used to treat sore eyes.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Enuresis: Treats bed wetting.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

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. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants.

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: Annual Climber

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

A significant weed of fruit and ornamental trees in Japan, China and neighbouring countries. It has been listed by the State of California and Texas as a noxious weed.

Its other names

Local names

Japanese dodder, China: jin deng teng; tu si. Japan: nenashikazura. USA: giant Asian dodder.

Synonyms

C. systyla.