Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Convolvulaceae

Genus:

Cuscuta

Species:

Cuscuta californica

USDA Symbol:

CUCA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Vine

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

poor, sandy, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

parasitic plant, relies on host plants

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require host plant contact within days of germination; best sown directly onto or adjacent to host species.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI