Parasitic Vine on Lilac: Could It Be Dodder? Awaiting Flower for ID

Parasitic Vine on Lilac: Could It Be Dodder? Awaiting Flower for ID

A gardener described thick vines growing out of lilac branches, as wide as the branches themselves, with leaves similar to lilac but not smooth. Some vines twined around stalks, others grew straight. The vines were finger-thick and blocked a sidewalk. A previous suggestion of dodder was dismissed because the vines weren't threadlike or clustered.

Lilac parasite vine

Expert Request

The expert needed more photos: a wider shot showing the whole plant, the vine wrapping a branch, and the vine flowering. They also asked for the geographic location. Since many plants are classified by flower structure, they suggested waiting for flowers or visiting a local garden center for quicker results.