County destroying parasitic plant AGGRESSIVE VINE PREYING ON NATIVE SHRUBS, PLANTS AND TREES IN EAST BAY
By John Geluardi Contra Costa Times An aggressive vine that sucks the life from shrubs, plants and trees has been discovered in four locations around West Contra Costa County. The Japanese dodder is a parasitic plant that could dramatically alter native creek vegetation, disrupt bird habitats and damage agricultural crops, according to the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture. The dodder vine looks like a thick, bright yellow-orange spaghetti noodle with small scaly, green leaves. The vampire-like plant siphons off energy from trees and plants by sinking its roots into their vascular systems. The plant is capable of spreading quickly because it is not particular about hosts. It can attach itself to most ivies, nearly all native trees, most fruit trees and a variety of ornamental plants. Once attached, the vine blocks sunlight by thickly shrouding its host. ``It can completely drape over trees, making it impossible for birds to nest,'' said Chief Deputy Vince Guise. ``It's very robust, and we're not sure exactly where it's going yet.
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