U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
California

Point Reyes Birds-Beak
(Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris )
Scrophulariaceae

Point Reyes Bird's-beak; Photo Copyright 2002 Brad Kelley
Photo Copyright 2002 Brad Kelley

Description: Annual gray-green and purple tinged herb, 4-16 inches tall, with few branched stems. Leaves oblong to spear-shaped, 3/16 - 1 inch (5-25mm) long, sessile, and smooth edged. Inflorescence is a spike, 3/4 - 3 1/2 inches (2-9cm) long, with many flowers and a notched inner bract.The flowers have a calyx 5/8 - 1 inch (15-25mm) long, and a white to cream corolla, 5/8 - 1 inch (15-25mm) long. The fruit contains 10-20 dark brown seeds, 1/8 inch (2-3mm) long.

Distribution:

Habitat: Coastal salt marshes. Elevation 0-32 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms June - October.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B

 

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  Field Office: Arcata