Pronounced (approximate): kus-KOO-tah gloh-mer-AY-tah
Tiny white flowers form dense rope-like masses around host stems. Slender twining stems attach to another plant.
Rope Dodder (Cuscuta glomerata): dense white flowers wrapped around host stem. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Convolvulaceae
Life cycle Annual parasitic vine
Blooms Summer–early fall
Height Twines around host stems; height varies with the host
Habitat Moist prairies, wet meadows, and wetland margins
Common names
Rope Dodder
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Moist prairies, wet meadows, and wetland margins. Flowering season: summer–early fall.
Photograph both the dense flower clusters and their host. The rope-like inflorescences are a useful clue among dodders.
Tiny white flowers form dense rope-like masses around host stems.
The dodder lacks normal green foliage; visible broad leaves belong to its host.
Look for annual parasitic vine growth in moist prairies, wet meadows, and wetland margins. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
9 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to the central and east-central United States.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AR, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, WI
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Rope Dodder in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.