SafePlants

Dicranostegia orcuttiana (Orcutt's Bird's-Beak)

Dicranostegia orcuttiana, commonly known as Orcutt's Bird's-Beak or Baja Bird's-Beak, is a rare plant found in specific regions. This plant exhibits interesting biological characteristics, notably its parasitic nature.

Considerations for Pets

• As a root parasite, this plant may contain substances transferred from its host.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dicranostegia orcuttiana (A. Gray) Pennell
• Common Names: Orcutt's Bird's-Beak, Baja Bird's-Beak
• Family: Orobanchaceae (based on reference to Orobanchaceae)
• Synonym: Cordylanthus orcuttianus A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in California, specifically the San Diego area, and Baja California.
• Habitats include chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley, and foothill grassland.
• Elevation range: 50–500 meters.

Ecological Role

• Orcutt's Bird's-Beak is a root parasite, meaning it obtains nutrients by attaching to the roots of other plants via structures called haustoria.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a native annual plant.

Conservation Status

• California Rare Plant Rank 2.1: Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, But More Common Elsewhere - Seriously.
• Localized in several areas along the river valley and is the largest known population of this rare plant in the United.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• As a root parasite, it interacts closely with its host plants.

Further Information

• California Native Plant Society
• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cordylanthus orcuttianus.
• CalPhotos: Provides photographic images of Dicranostegia orcuttiana.