Cuscuta epithymum, (L.) L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1972, Flora Europaea. Volume 3. Diapensiacea to Myoporaceae, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press : 77

12. C. epithymum (L.) L. , Syst. Veg. ed. 13, 140 (1774).

Stems slender, much-branched, often reddish or purplish; flowers (2-5—)3-4(—5) mm, 5-merous, mostly sessile, sometimes shortly pedicellate; glomerules 5-10 mm in diameter, dense, globose, each with a subacute bract at its base. Calyx usually shorter than corolla-tube, sometimes about as long; lobes triangular, acute, sometimes lanceolate and acuminate; corolla-lobes patent, triangular, acute, rarely acuminate, mostly shorter than the campanulate tube. Stamens exserted; anthers often purple-tinged. Scales spathulate, shorter than tube, fimbriate, connivent over the ovary. Styles (including stigmas) about as long as to much longer than the subglobose ovary, exserted. Capsule enveloped by the corolla. Seeds c. 1mm. 2« =14. Almost throughout Europe, except the extreme north. All except Az Fa Is Sb.