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invasive vine on plant #841186

Asked July 17, 2023, 8:01 PM EDT

A yellow vine is growing on a lime basil plant I purchased at a garden center/farm. It does not seem to harm the plant. It also reached across my herb planter to the parsley on the other end (about 6 inches away). I can't fine a source - it almost seems to originate in the stem of the plant. I'm afraid to eat the basil in case the vine is toxic.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Terri,

This is a parasitic plant called dodder. It survives by attaching itself to a host plant. It is very hard to control and if you let it go to seed you may battle it for years. 

Try to unwind the dodder from your plants and if it has attached to a plant cut that plant off below that point or dispose of the entire plant. Do this soon. Put the dodder and any parts of the host plants in the garbage, not yard waste.

Here’s a fact sheet on dodder:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dodder-cuscuta-spp/

Years ago I had dodder in a perennial garden. By removing as much as I could immediately and checking the garden weekly for any regrowth I was able to eliminate it.

Good luck! 


MJ Replied July 17, 2023, 8:26 PM EDT
Thank you for the quick and succinct response!  Fortunately it was in a pot with just 3 plants, so I was able to cut back the host (basil) and ensure it hadn't attached to the parsley or dill.  What a yucky guest - I'm glad to be rid of it.


On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 7:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 9:15 PM EDT

You’re welcome! It’s creepy and sort of fascinating — nature is amazing! Keep an eye on these plants, if dodder has attached to a stem it sometimes returns.

MJ Replied July 19, 2023, 8:46 AM EDT

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