Overview:
Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey, also known as the glandular cordylanthus, is a small perennial herb that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This plant is native to California and can be found in dry areas with sandy or rocky soils in elevations ranging from sea level up to 6,500 feet.
Common Names:
The common names for Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey include glandular cordylanthus, sticky bird's beak, sticky seabeach dropseed, and sticky seabeach-dune flower.
Appearance:
The glandular cordylanthus can grow up to three feet tall and typically blooms from June to September. The plant has green, sticky, and hairy stems, which can branch out with several purplish-red flowers lined with yellow spots. The leaves are long, narrow, and clasping with a glandular and sticky texture.
Uses:
Despite its unique appearance, Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey has limited commercial or medicinal uses. Indigenous people, however, have been known to use the plant as a medicinal herb for treating ailments such as eye infections, stomach aches, and wounds. Additionally, glandular cordylanthus plays a vital role in the ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen as a food source for hummingbirds and bees.
Light Requirements
The Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey prefers full sunlight to partial shade and cannot thrive in areas with little or no direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Also, it is vital to keep in mind that shade may cause the plant to elongate and become spindly.
Soil Requirements
Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey grows well in a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. The soil should have good drainage because the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. A soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. Moreover, the species prefers fertile, nutrient-rich soil, and it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
Temperature Requirements
The Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey can tolerate high temperatures but cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in areas with a temperature range of 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C) during the growing season. This species typically grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Cultivation Methods
Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey is generally a low-maintenance plant that prefers well-draining soil with good drainage. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate partial shade, but it may not produce as many flowers in shadier locations. Planting can be done anytime, but it's best to plant it in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey vary depending on the season. During the growing season, water it regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. However, during drought, it is best to reduce watering and let the plant adapt to the dry conditions. Over-watering may cause root rot, so be sure to check the soil for dampness before deciding to water.
Fertilization
Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey does not require much fertilization. If the soil is healthy and nutrient-rich, then it should not need any supplementary fertilizers. However, you can use a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just before the growing season starts. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the package and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant and lead to poor health.
Pruning
Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey plants typically do not require much pruning. However, you can trim back any dead or damaged growth in the spring to encourage healthy new growth. It's also a good idea to remove any dried-out flower spikes to encourage new ones to grow. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant and to reduce the risk of disease.
Propagation of Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey
The propagation of Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey can be achieved through seeds, cuttings, or division of clumps.
Propagation through seeds
The easiest way to propagate Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey is through seeds. The plant produces numerous small seeds which can be collected and sown in seed trays or pots.
The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be sown at the surface of a well-draining seed mix. The mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Once the seedlings have emerged and developed true leaves, they can be potted into individual containers. The young plants should be kept in a bright, well-ventilated area and watered regularly.
Propagation through cuttings
Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey can also be propagated through stem cuttings, although this method is more challenging than seed propagation. The best time to take cuttings is in early spring before the new growth appears.
Select healthy stems and cut them into pieces of around 10cm in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining mix and keep them moist and warm. Rooting can take up to 8 weeks, after which the young plants can be potted up into individual containers.
Propagation through division
Cordylanthus glandulosus Pennell & Clokey can also be propagated through division of established clumps. In early spring, dig up the clump and gently pull the plants apart. Replant the divided clumps into individual containers or directly into the ground. Water well and keep the plants in a cool, shaded area until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Cordylanthus glandulosus
Cordylanthus glandulosus, commonly known as sticky bird's beak, is a native plant to California, Nevada, and Oregon. It is a resilient plant that can grow in various soil types such as clay, loam, or gravel. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to different diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Cordylanthus glandulosus is prone to diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white powder-like substance on the plant's leaves. Rust, on the other hand, appears as orange spots on the plant's leaves, while root rot is characterized by the wilting of leaves and stunted growth of the plant.
Disease Management
To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected leaves and spray with a fungicide. Increase air circulation by spacing out plants to prevent the disease from spreading. For rust, prune any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Use fungicide if the infection is severe. For root rot, improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove any infected plant parts and replant in a different area.
Common Pests
Cordylanthus glandulosus is also susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck out nutrients from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. Aphids and whiteflies create a sticky substance on the plant, attracting ants and promoting mold growth.
Pest Management
To manage spider mites, wash the plant's leaves with soapy water and spray with a miticide. Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids and whiteflies. Alternatively, use insecticides to control these pests. Remove any infected plant parts to prevent the pests from spreading.
Regularly monitoring your Cordylanthus glandulosus for any signs of disease or pests is essential to managing them effectively. By taking proper measures, you can prevent or minimize damage to your plant and ensure its healthy growth.
