California Dodder

Classified as an herbaceous parasite, the California Dodder (Cuscuta californica) is perhaps the most interesting plant found at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park. The dodder is a true plant, growing from a seed, establishing roots, and photosynthesizing early on in its life cycle. But, once established, dodders will sever connections with their roots. From then on, they only furthering their growth by becoming entangled with any and all vegetation present in the area. The mature dodder survives by leeching off nutrients accrued by its host plant, going from green to a beautiful and vibrant orange adorning the landscape of the salt marsh ecosystem. Although the term “parasite” harbors a negative connotation, recent studies indicate the California Dodder is a keystone species facilitating species diversity. The dodder commonly utilizes hosts (such as cordgrasses) that dominate the landscape, slowing their colonization rates across the landscape by requiring the host species to share its resources. In turn, more land is available for a diversity of other species.