| Japanese dodder is an annual, parasitic vine that has recently been introduced into the United States and is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed. The many-branching stems are fleshy, circular, and pale yellow with red spots and striations. Leaves are minute and scale-like. Flowers are abundant, pale yellow, sessile and appear from August to October. Many species of dodder, some native and some exotic, occur in the United States. Japanese dodder parasitizes host plants by penetrating the vascular tissue of the host with structures called haustoria. Severe infestations can kill host plants. Japanese dodder is native to Asia and several infestations have recently been found in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina. |
