SafePlants

Salt Marsh Bird's Beak (Cordylanthus maritimus)

Cordylanthus maritimus, also known as salt marsh bird's beak and Point Reyes bird's beak, is a rare flowering plant species.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant produces flowers, which may attract attention.
• As a hemiparasite, it obtains mineral nutrition from other plants.
• Found in salt marsh and coastal environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cordylanthus maritimus Nutt. ex Benth.
• Common Names: Salt marsh bird's beak, Point Reyes bird's beak
• Family: Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
• Synonyms: Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris, Chloropyron maritimum ssp. palustre, Chloropyron maritimum palustre, Chloropyron maritimum ssp. canescens (A. Gray) Tank &amp J.M. Egger.

Distribution and Habitat

• This species is found in northern California coastal counties.
• It specifically inhabits salt marshes.
• Reappeared in 2010 at the restored LaRiviere Marsh near Newark.

Morphology and Growth

• Cordylanthus maritimus is a halophytic annual, typically growing to 10-20 cm tall, but can reach up to 30 cm.
• Flowers between June and October.

Ecological Role

• Point Reyes bird's beak is a hemiparasite, meaning it is photosynthetic but obtains much of its mineral nutrition by parasitizing other plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It interacts with western marsh rosemary.

Conservation Status

• Point Reyes bird's beak is a USFWS Species of Concern.
• Listed as Endangered by the State of Oregon.
• Considered endangered or threatened throughout its range.

Further Information

• IAE (likely referring to the Institute for Applied Ecology) collects plant community data to analyze Point Reyes bird's beak populations.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Point Reyes Bird Observatory Education Program
• Point Reyes National Seashore