Lesser Dodder

Cuscuta epithymum

Physical Characteristics

Cuscuta epithymum is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway to Spain and east to the Caucasus and central Asia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Urinary Lesser dodder is considered to be a valuable though little used herbal remedy that supports the liver, being used for problems affecting the liver and gallbladder[254]. The whole plant is antibilious, appetizer, carminative, cholagogue, mildly diuretic, hepatic, laxative and antiscorbutic[4, 218]. A decoction of the stems is used in the treatment of urinary complaints, kidney, spleen and liver disorders, jaundice, sciatica and scorbutic complaints[4]. It also has a reputation as an anticancer agent and as a specific for gout[218]. The plant should not be used by anyone suffering from haemorrhoids[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[7].

Known Hazards

None known