Dear Editor:

Devil's Shoelaces, Witch's Hair, Dodder, Cuscata ... no matter what you call this invasive plant, it's a pest.  If left alone, this parasitic member of the morning glory family can cause a tangled web of vines that looks like someone attacked  your garden with a can of Silly String. 

I discovered Dodder feasting on my coreopsis and immediately conducted a Google search.  This orange spaghetti-like leafless weed attaches to a healthy plant, entwines itself and begins to suck nutrients from the host. As it grows, it continually reattaches itself to its host and sends out shoots to attach to nearby plants.

My plan of attack to save my garden is to cut the host plant about an inch below the point of attachment, put the cuttings in a black plastic bag, and roast those bits under the summer sun.  

Let's hope Lincoln County gardens can survive this blight.

Linda Pope

Wiscasset