Thankyou Sharon and Linda for your interest in this question. I am so glad I reached out online to a Professor at NMSU. He sent me a very interesting article that he co-wrote about dodder.
I am a new forager/enthusiast and it has been fascinating learning about edible wild plants. It has been a slow process. I research, reference, ask other foragers, etc. To be safe and accurate.
In the article it states that dodder can pick up toxicity from its host plant and can weaken host plant. It can cause collick sp? To livestock. I've since read that dodder is eaten as a foraged food, is high in carotenoids...this type anyway, with orange threads...and seeds have been used as food and/or herbal medicine. I really don't have the desire to forage dodder. And I guess the seeds can last in the soil up to 20 years.
Well! I wanted to share some tidbits I have learned.
Happy All Things Plants to You All!
I agree with both of you, Linda and Sharon, it sure was a learning experience and for me has really increased my observation skills. I don't know how I missed all those orange threads. Granted I only held the stems for a few moments while I took pictures. Thanks to all for taking this plant journey with me! It certainly has been a memorable learning experience!