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saltmarsh bird's-beak

Scientific Name: Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names: CA (salt marsh bird's-beak)

       

Salt Marsh Bird's Beak

The Salt Marsh Bird's Beak, also known as Point Reyes Bird's Beak, is a fascinating plant of coastal salt marshes.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is described as having narrow, pointed leaves.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Cordylanthus maritimus
  • Common Names: Salt Marsh Bird's Beak, Point Reyes Bird's Beak
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus
    • Cordylanthus maritimus Nutt. ex Benth.
    • Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum
  • Subspecies:
    • Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus
    • Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. canescens
    • Chloropyron maritimum ssp. palustre

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Salt Marsh Bird's Beak is found in coastal salt marsh habitats.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include Upper Newport Bay, Carpinteria Salt Marsh and Sweetwater Marsh (San Diego).

Ecological Role

  • This plant is an annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
  • It is a hemiparasite, meaning it is photosynthetic but obtains mineral nutrition from a host plant by connecting its roots and absorbing water and nutrients.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a branching annual, growing to a height of 8 to 16 inches.
  • The plant's herbage is glaucous, gray-green, and often tinged with purple.
  • Leaves are alternate, narrow, pointed and up to 1 inch long.
  • 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 are shaped like birds' beaks, giving the plant its common name.
  • Some believe this plant may hold secrets for biofuel.

Conservation Status

  • The Salt Marsh Bird's Beak is a rare and federally endangered species.
  • Efforts are underway to restore habitats for this plant and other endangered species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • As a hemiparasite, it relies on a host plant for mineral nutrition.
  • It provides sanctuary for endangered bird species.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Garden Guides
  • Blue Planet Biomes
  • Wikimedia Commons