This is an annual parasitic plant that may resemble fine strands of spaghetti or twine strewn across other species in its habitat.

Cuscuta californica is a parasitic vine which climbs other plants and takes nutrition directly from them via a haustorium.

The seed contains minimal energy reserves, meaning seedlings must locate and parasitize a host within a matter of days.

It accomplishes this by means of "foraging" patterns, as dodder seedlings can detect the volatile compounds emitted by host plants.

[5] It grows on numerous herbs and shrubs from various habitats, including sandy desert areas, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grasslands, forests of Pinus ponderosa, and can be found in weedy, partially disturbed areas like roadsides.