Cordylanthus tenuis is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae known by the common name slender bird's beak. It is native to the US states of California, Oregon, and Nevada, where it grows in woodland and forest. It erects a spindly stem which may exceed a meter in height with sparse narrow leaves a few centimeters long, and is sometimes sticky with glandular secretions. The plant is greenish and tinted with yellow or purple coloration. The stem branches at intervals and at the end of each branch is a cluster of one to several flowers. Each pocket-shaped flower is one to two centimeters long and about one wide, made up of fuzzy maroon lobes with white or yellow lips. There are several subspecies, including: Cordylanthus tenuis subsp. barbatus - Fresno County slender bird's beak Cordylanthus tenuis subsp. brunneus - serpentine bird's beak Cordylanthus tenuis subsp. capillaris - Pennell's bird's beak Cordylanthus tenuis subsp. pallescens - pallid bird's beak Cordylanthus tenuis subsp. tenuis Cordylanthus tenuis subsp. viscidus
Pennell's bird's beak is fairly disease-resistant and usually does not fall victim to illnesses. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its surroundings, and these problems are typically mild. Regarding maintenance, the plant needs moderate care. It should be pruned regularly to keep a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Pennell's bird's beak is suitable for someone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive care experience. It may need extra attention if grown indoors.
How to keep Cordylanthus Tenuis.
Light
Pennell's bird's beak comes from habitats with dappled light, like forest understories or rocky sites that provide natural shade. It does well in partial sun but can also adapt to full sun conditions.
Temperature
Pennell's bird's beak can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of water and temperature. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can increase the likelihood of Pennell's bird's beak dying. In winter, shielding the plant from cold can improve its chances of survival.
Fertilizer
Pennell's bird's beak benefits from regular, weak applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf development. Fertilize Pennell's bird's beak roughly once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and adding nitrogen-rich fertilizers helps Pennell's bird's beak thrive.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Cordylanthus
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-10
- Mature Height
- 15 cm to 49 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Other names.
