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Key identifying traits
Numerous yellow to orange thread-like stems that coil around and
attach to host plants
Leaves are not readily apparent
Roots only present until attachment to host
Produces numerous clustered inconspicuous white to pink flowers in
late summer
Seeds are small, oval, gray to red and 1/25 inch in length-there are
2 to 4 seeds per globular capsule
Biology and ecology
- An annual parasitic plant with no green parts
- Seeds germinate on the soil surface and develop small root systems
and 2 to 4 inch stems
- Attaches to host plants with wart-like suckers and must do so
within a few days of germination or die
- Once attached, the root system disappears and the plant becomes
wholly parasitic, extracting water and nutrients from host
- Many broadleaf plants serve as host, particularly alfalfa and
clover
- Can produce over 16,000 seeds per plant that can remain viable for
over 60 years
Control
Prevention – Learn to
identify plants; know your property; beware of fill dirt, hay and seed
from outside your area
Biological – None known at this time
Cultural – Rotating to non-host crops, vegetables or
ornamentals in affected areas is effective
Mechanical – Physical removal of new small infestations prior
to reproduction is often effective
C hemical
– Some effective at label
rates, but injury to host plants must be acceptable;
refer to the
PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific chemical recommendations |
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