Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Convolvulaceae

Genus:

Cuscuta

Species:

Cuscuta pentagona

USDA Symbol:

CUPE3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Vine

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

poor, sandy, well-drained

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

often found in disturbed areas or open fields

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Parasitic plant; seeds germinate in soil but seedlings must attach to a host plant within days or die. Warm temperatures (20-30°C) favor germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI