That strange mass of stringy yellow stuff growing across the ground and up onto your trees?
Its not something from a 1950s horror movie, but it is a parasite that can damage your landscaping.
It is dodder — not a common sight, but, like mistletoe, it does pop up from time to time in desert landscapes.
Unlike mistletoe, however, which sprouts from seeds deposited on branches by birds, dodder grows from the ground up — into the host plant.
Dodder is best described as thin yellow or golden yellow threads that grow over the ground and into the canopy of its host plant. Over time, it forms a thick mat of yellow strings twining in and over the leaves, stems and branches of its host plant.
Dodder, also known as love vine or strangleweed is a parasitic plant that can infest and harm beautiful trees like the bald cypress. If left unchecked dodder can weaken and eventually kill the host tree. Therefore, it’s crucial to promptly remove dodder from your bald cypress tree to ensure its health and longevity. In this article, I’ll discuss effective methods for removing dodder and preventing its return.
Identifying Dodder on Bald Cypress Trees
Before you can effectively remove dodder from your bald cypress tree you need to be able to identify it. Dodder is a twining vine with thin thread-like stems that wrap around the branches and leaves of the host tree. It lacks chlorophyll and relies on the host plant for nutrients, making it a parasitic plant.
Dodder typically appears as a mass of orange or yellow tangled stems covering the branches of the host tree. It produces small white or pink flowers in late summer or early fall, which can aid in identification. Once you’ve identified dodder on your bald cypress tree, it’s imperative to take immediate action to prevent further damage
Manual Removal of Dodder
One of the most effective ways to remove dodder from your bald cypress tree is through manual removal. This method involves physically cutting or pulling the dodder vines off the tree. Here’s how you can do it:
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Wear protective gloves before handling dodder to prevent skin irritation.
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Carefully inspect the branches of your bald cypress tree to identify all areas infested with dodder.
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Using sharp pruning shears, carefully cut the dodder vines at the base where they attach to the tree. Be sure to remove as much of the dodder as possible without damaging the tree.
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Collect all cut pieces of dodder and dispose of them properly to prevent reinfestation.
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Keep monitoring your bald cypress tree for any signs of regrowth or new infestations of dodder. Repeat the manual removal process promptly if you spot any.
Chemical Control Methods
In some cases, manual removal may not be enough to completely eliminate dodder infestation on your bald cypress tree. In such situations, you may consider using chemical control methods as a last resort. However, it’s vital to exercise caution when using chemicals to avoid harming the tree or surrounding environment.
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There are selective herbicides available that specifically target dodder without damaging the host tree. Consult a professional arborist or horticulturist to determine the most suitable herbicide for your situation.
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When using herbicides, always closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application methods, dosage, and safety precautions.
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Apply herbicides during the appropriate time of year when dodder is actively growing to maximize effectiveness.
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After applying herbicides, monitor your bald cypress tree closely for any changes in the dodder infestation. Repeat applications if necessary.
Preventing Dodder Reinfestation
Once you’ve successfully removed dodder from your bald cypress tree, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent its return. Here are some preventive measures you can implement:
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Regularly inspect your bald cypress tree for any signs of dodder regrowth or new infestations. Early detection can prevent widespread infestation.
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Strategically prune your tree regularly to improve air circulation and light penetration, making it less hospitable for dodder growth.
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Keep your bald cypress tree healthy and well-nourished through proper watering, fertilization, and maintenance. A vigorous tree is more resilient against pests.
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Check other nearby plants for dodder and take appropriate action if found to prevent spreading.
By using these dodder removal methods and preventives, you can protect the health and beauty of your bald cypress tree for years to come. Remember that early intervention is key when dealing with parasitic plants like dodder, so be vigilant in safeguarding your trees.
How to Propagate Bald Cypress Trees
If you wish to grow new bald cypress trees, you can propagate them through seeds or vegetative means. Here are the best practices for propagating bald cypress trees the right way:
Propagating from Seeds
Seed propagation is the most natural way to grow bald cypress trees:
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Collect mature cones from established trees in fall when fully developed but still closed.
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Allow cones to dry and open naturally before removing seeds.
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Stratify seeds by refrigerating with moist medium for 30-60 days to increase germination.
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Sow stratified seeds in spring and provide consistent moisture and indirect sun.
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Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are 12+ inches tall with robust roots.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation from cuttings or layering allows replicating desirable traits without relying on seeds:
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Take 4-6 inch semi-hardwood cuttings from new growth in late spring/early summer.
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Dip cut end in rooting hormone and plant in suitable rooting medium like perlite.
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Provide warmth, humidity, and consistent moisture for roots to form in 6-8 weeks.
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Once rooted, transplant cuttings to pots and care for them until ready for planting outdoors.
Caring for Propagated Trees
To ensure success of propagated bald cypress trees:
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Provide ample moisture, especially when young.
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Give them plenty of sunlight for robust growth.
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Use balanced fertilizer during growing season.
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Prune regularly to encourage good structure.
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Protect from weather extremes and pests while establishing.
By following these reliable propagation and care methods, you can successfully grow beautiful bald cypress trees from seeds or cuttings.
In Summary
Dodder can be a harmful parasitic plant for treasured bald cypress trees. Identifying and promptly removing dodder manually or with herbicide applications is crucial. Prevent reinfestation by maintaining tree health and vigor. Bald cypress trees can also be propagated from seed or vegetative cuttings using proper methods. With diligence and care, you can both eliminate dodder and propagate magnificent bald cypress trees.
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Dodder is actually an annual plant that sprouts from seed in the ground during our summer monsoon season.
It has only a few days to find a host plant because it has no roots of its own and must live only on the food reserves of the seed.
Unless a host is found quickly, it will die.
If a host is found in time, the dodder grows into it, anchoring itself in place with haustoria — growth pegs that penetrate the stems to draw out water minerals and carbohydrates from the host.
Dodders connection with the ground then is severed, and it continues growing by means of aerial stems, forming more and more haustoria to draw ever-increasing levels of nutrients from its host.
Dodder doesnt usually kill established trees and shrubs, but it does weaken them and stunt their growth — sometimes severely.
A problem of greater significance is the seed produced by dodder. It is spread by wind and water and establishes itself in surrounding areas of the garden and landscape.
You cant eradicate dodder in a host plant because pulling the threadlike vines out of the plant doesnt get rid of the haustoria embedded in the bark.
Even if all the vines were removed, the dodder would regenerate. But hand-removal of the vines does help to greatly reduce the amount of seed produced, thereby reducing its spread.
The most effective means of control is to remove the infested plants and make sure that newly sprouting dodder seedlings are pulled out before they find another host plant.
If pulling or hoeing dodder seedlings is not practical, spray them with household vinegar.
If dodder becomes persistent, the affected area can be treated with a pre-emergent herbicide containing trifluralin. Read the instructions carefully.
Apply it in late June, just prior to the monsoon, and again in late November, ahead of winter rains.
While were on the subject of parasitic plants, lets talk about controlling desert mistletoe.
Like dodder, mistletoe cannot be eradicated in infested trees. It can, however, be managed by keeping the vegetative (visible) portion of the mistletoe cut.
That will minimize stress and strain on the host tree.
By cutting out, I mean cutting the mistletoe at its base where it emerges from the branch.
Do not gouge into the branch — it would cause further injury to the tree. And do not remove branches infested with mistletoe. The rooting portion of the parasite grows throughout the tree, so removing an individual branch or limb wont help.
Finally, dont wrap branches with plastic — black or clear — after cutting mistletoe off. Plastic doesnt prevent mistletoe regrowth, but the heat that builds up under the plastic does harm the branch.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
» Demo topic
“Growing Vegetables from Seeds and Transplants” will be the topic of this weeks gardening demonstrations. Presentations are slated at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wilmot Library, 530 N. Wilmot Road, and at 1 p.m. Friday at Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive. ● John P. Begeman is the urban horticulture agent for the University of Arizona-Pima County Cooperative Extension. If you have questions, call 626-5161 to reach a master gardener.
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Q&A – Removing Bald Cypress Knees
FAQ
How do you remove dodder?
What herbicide kills dodder?
How do you control golden dodder?
Is dodder harmful to humans?
How do you harvest a bald cypress tree?
Collecting Seeds: Harvest mature cones from established bald cypress trees in the fall when they are fully developed but have not yet opened. Extracting Seeds: Allow the cones to dry for a few days until they open naturally. Remove the seeds from the cones and separate them from any debris.
Are bald cypress knees a problem?
(Audio 07/02/07) The bald cypress is Louisiana’s state tree. It makes a great addition to the landscape, but gardeners can have a problem with cypress knees. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to remove knees that might pop up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Do bald cypress trees need to be pruned?
Pruning is not usually necessary for bald cypress trees, as they naturally develop a strong, central leader. However, you can remove any dead or damaged branches as needed. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Like any other tree, bald cypress trees can encounter a few problems.
How do you propagate a bald cypress tree?
Regardless of the propagation method used, it’s crucial to provide proper care to ensure the success of your propagated bald cypress trees: Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the establishment phase. Sunlight: Provide ample sunlight for optimal growth and development.