SafePlants

Cordylanthus tecopensis - Tecopa Bird's Beak

Cordylanthus tecopensis, commonly known as Tecopa bird's beak, is an interesting plant with a unique ecological role. It is also known as Tecopa salty bird's-beak.

Considerations for Pets

• Tecopa bird's beak is a root parasite, utilizing haustoria to connect to host plants. This parasitic behavior, while fascinating, could present an indirect concern if the host plant is of interest to pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cordylanthus tecopensis Munz & Roos
• Common Names: Tecopa bird's beak, Tecopa salty bird's-beak
• Synonym: Chloropyron tecopense (Munz & J.C. Roos) Tank & J.M. Egger
• Family: Orobancaceae (mentioned in reference to the species in general, but not explicitly to the species itself)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Tecopa bird's beak is found in the United States, specifically in California and Nevada.
• It occupies alkaline meadows and flats.
• It grows at elevations between 2000 and 2700 feet.
• It has been found in the Tecopa Hot Springs area and Tecopa Springs in Inyo County, California.

Ecological Role

• This plant is a root parasite, similar to other broomrape relatives. It inserts haustoria into the roots of other plants.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is an annual herb (forb).
• It has a many-branched, erect structure.

Conservation Status

• The California Native Plant Society lists it as a California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2: Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and Elsewhere - Fairly threatened in California.
• It is considered a BLM (Bureau of Land Management) sensitive species.

Further Information

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
• uBio
• NatureServe
• World Plants
• Discover Life: Discover Life
• BISON: BISON Web Link
• CalPhotos
• Jepson eFlora