Bindweed Family
Cuscuta
Identification notes: corolla measurements are from the base to the sinuses of the corolla. The infrastaminal scales are transparent structures at the base of the stamens.1 Stigmas elongated, terete or conical; capsule splitting regularly around the circumference ................................................ Clover Dodder
1 Stigmas capitate, about as wide as long; capsule either indehiscent or rupturing irregularly.
2 Each flower subtended by 1-10 imbricate bracts; sepals distinct nearly to the base. ......................................................Compact Dodder
2 Flowers not bracteate; sepals various.
3 Perianth surface granular; fresh flowers fleshy; corolla lobes acute, tips typically curved inward.
4 Corolla tubular; calyx > ½ as long as corolla; flowers 4(-5)-merous; infrastaminal scales reduced, merely bifid or shallowly toothed
............................................................................................................................................................................................Hazel Dodder
4 Corolla campanulate; calyx ca. ½ as long as the corolla; flowers 5-merous; infrastaminal scales profusely fringed ...Pretty Dodder
3 Perianth surface not granular; fresh flowers not especially fleshy; corolla lobes various.
5 Stylopodium (a thickened ridge at the base of the style) present; flowers 5-merous .......................................... Gronovius' Dodder
5 Stylopodium absent; flowers 3-4-merous or 5-merous.
6 Flowers subsessile, therefore in globular inflorescences.................................................................................. Buttonbush Dodder
6 Flowers on pedicels slightly shorter than to longer than the flowers, therefore in loose inflorescences ....... Five-angled Dodder