Large Saltmarsh Dodder
Cuscuta pacifica var. pacifica
Care
full sun
regular
sandy, saline soils
1–3ft tall , 1–4ft wide
Jul-Sep
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Salt marshes along the coast from San Francisco Bay to southern California, sea level to 100 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Large Saltmarsh Dodder in full sun in sandy, saline soils that match its native coastal salt marsh habitat. This parasitic vine requires host plants to survive - it traditionally parasitizes Salicornia but can also grow on Jaumea carnosa and Grindelia stricta, so plan to plant it near one of these companions. Plant in spring to early summer to give it the growing season it needs before blooming in July through September.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish the plant, then reduce watering as it matures since it thrives in salt marsh conditions. Large Saltmarsh Dodder is a deciduous annual vine, so it will naturally die back after the growing season - this is normal. The biggest mistake is planting it without a suitable host plant nearby; remember, this species cannot survive on its own and must parasitize other plants to obtain nutrients.
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