Family: Convolvulaceae
Scientific name: Cuscuta lupuliformis
Common name: Dodder
Origin: Eastern Europe

Dodder is a parasitic plant without roots, that grows chaotically and climbs in other plants. The plant originally comes from eastern Europe and western Russia. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the plant offen occurs in the river area of the Netherlands. It is a very interesting species to keep in the garden, where you can let it climb in willow, blackberry, oak, blackthorn, bird cherry, nettle or some ornamental plants.
While it grows, the dodder makes interconnections with the host plant to absorb water and minerals. In general the host plant is not very affected by the dodder.
The plant can grop up to 1 to 2 meters, and makes elegant red stalks. In summer, the dodder makes small white flowers, which are followed in autumn by brown fruits with new seeds. Because it is an annual plant it will die during the winter, but you can gather the seeds and keep them for the next year.

Sowing instructions: Store the seeds for a few weeks in the fridge, whereafter they can be sown on a wet paper towel in a light spot at room temperature. When the plant germinates, bring it in contact with a host plant as soon as possible.
(The plant can be invasive, so don't bring the seeds out in natural areas outside the garden)

Sowing time: March-June
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: 0 degrees Celsius (Annual plant)