Dodder in wetland - Ask Extension
We have a dodder infestation in our wetland in more than one area. It's killing jewelweed, goldenrod, and elderberry, among other plants. Our wetland ...
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Dodder in wetland #801463
Asked July 16, 2022, 11:42 AM EDT
We have a dodder infestation in our wetland in more than one area. It's killing jewelweed, goldenrod, and elderberry, among other plants. Our wetland is part of a prairie fen complex that I'm trying to restore along the edge of a small lake. How do we remove the dodder? Is there any help we can get?
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Here's a close-up of the dodder from last summer:
Here's a close-up of the dodder from last summer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Michigan State University Extension Ask Extension with your wetland plants question. Dodder is a parasitic plant that inserts itself into a plant to draw nutrients and water. Growing from the parasitized plants tissues and reaching out to build a web with surrounding vegetation. In most gardens hand removal is enough. In your case you may want to contact your local CISMA (cooperative invasive species management area) or Conservation district for assistance here.
A larger area to manage requires more tools. Generally, you must remove not only the dodder but all the surrounding plants that may have been parasitized as well.
Here are some links for more information on managing dodder
https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/fact-sheets/pdf/dodder_fact_sheet_2019.pdf
https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/purdueweedscience/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WS-34-W.pdf
Thank you for using Michigan State University Extension Ask Extension with your wetland plants question. Dodder is a parasitic plant that inserts itself into a plant to draw nutrients and water. Growing from the parasitized plants tissues and reaching out to build a web with surrounding vegetation. In most gardens hand removal is enough. In your case you may want to contact your local CISMA (cooperative invasive species management area) or Conservation district for assistance here.
A larger area to manage requires more tools. Generally, you must remove not only the dodder but all the surrounding plants that may have been parasitized as well.
Here are some links for more information on managing dodder
https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/fact-sheets/pdf/dodder_fact_sheet_2019.pdf
https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/purdueweedscience/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WS-34-W.pdf
