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Cuscuta japonica - Choisy.

Common Name Japanese Dodder
Family Convolvulaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Parasitic on shrub branches[147] in lowland and low mountains all over Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Cuscuta japonica Japanese Dodder


Cuscuta japonica Japanese Dodder

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Cuscuta japonica is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. systyla.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young growth, boiled and seasoned[177].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Aphrodisiac  Demulcent  Diaphoretic  Enuresis  Hepatic  Ophthalmic  Tonic

A sweet, pungent herb that acts mainly as a liver and kidney stimulant[238], the seed of Japanese dodder is aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, enuresis, hepatic and tonic[147, 176, 178, 218, 238]. A decoction of the seed is used to treat a variety of complaints including diarrhoea, vaginal discharge, enuresis, backache, constipation and impotence[218]. The young shoots are used to treat sore eyes[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

This is a parasitic species that is devoid of leaves, roots or chlorophyll and so is totally dependant upon its host[238]. It must be grown next to the host plant, which it penetrates with suckers in order to obtain nutriment[238]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[238]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants[238].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, by lodging it among the stems of a host plant[238].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Japanese dodder, China: jin deng teng; tu si. Japan: nenashikazura. USA: giant Asian dodder.

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur), China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hainan Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Ningxia Huizi Zizhiqu, Qinghai Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Vietnam

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

A significant weed of fruit and ornamental trees in Japan, China and neighbouring countries. It has been listed by the State of California and Texas as a noxious weed.[

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Cuscuta chinensisChinese DodderPerennial0.0 -  LMHSNM03 
Cuscuta epithymumLesser DodderAnnual1.0 0-0  LMHSNM020
Cuscuta europaeaGreater dodderAnnual0.0 0-0  LMHSNM020
Cuscuta megalocarpaBigfruit DodderPerennial0.0 -  LMHSNM10 
Cuscuta reflexaDodder, Giant dodderPerennial0.0 0-0  LMHSNM020
Cuscuta umbellataFlatglobe dodder 0.0 0-0  LMHSNM100

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Choisy.

Botanical References

58266

Links / References

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