SafePlants

Salt Marsh Bird's Beak

The Salt Marsh Bird's Beak is a fascinating plant found in specific habitats. Here's a detailed look at its characteristics and ecology:

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has been reported to grow to 8-16 inches in height, and has narrow, pointed leaves, potentially making it attractive to pets.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Cordylanthus maritimus
• Common Names: Salt Marsh Bird's Beak, Point Reyes Bird's Beak, Saltmarsh Bird's-Beak

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus
  • Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum (Note: This is now considered the accepted name according to the text)
• Subspecies:
  • Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus
  • Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. canescens

Distribution and Habitat

• This plant is found in coastal salt marsh habitats.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Upper Newport Bay
  • Carpinteria Salt Marsh
  • Sweetwater Marsh (San Diego)

Ecological Role

• The Salt Marsh Bird's Beak is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
• It is a hemiparasite, meaning it is photosynthetic but also obtains mineral nutrition by parasitizing other plants. Its roots connect to a host plant to get water and nutrients.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a branching, decumbent to erect annual, growing 8 to 16 inches tall.
• The herbage is glaucous, gray-green, and often tinged with purple.
• Leaves are alternate, narrow, and up to 1 inch long, with pointed ends.
• It has low clumps with multiple white flowers.
• The outer bract is leaf-like, and the inner bracts are often notched near the apex.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers of the Salt Marsh Bird's Beak are shaped like birds' beaks.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Garden Guides
• Blue Planet Biomes: Chaparral Plants