Buttonbush dodder is a parasitic plant that is often found growing on the branches of Buttonbush. Some synonyms for buttonbush dodder include Devil's ringlet, witches' hair, and strangleweed. Devil's ringlet describes the small, circular shape of the twisted yellow-orange stems that loop around the host plant. Witches' hair is a fitting name for the long, thin, and leafless stems that resemble tangled hair. Strangleweed speaks to the dodder's ability to absorb nutrients from the host plant, eventually leading to its death. While these names may seem ominous, the buttonbush dodder plays an important role in ecosystems by controlling the growth of invasive species and providing a food source for some insects and birds.