Overview of Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus (T.J. Howell) Chuang & Heckard
Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus, also known as the sticky birdflower, is a California native herbaceous plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This plant is distributed throughout California's coastal ranges, including the San Francisco Bay Area, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the South Coast Ranges.
General Appearance and Characteristics
The sticky birdflower is a showy annual plant that grows up to 1 meter tall. The plant's stems are highly branched and have sticky glandular hairs that cover the entire length of the plant. The leaves of the sticky birdflower are small, narrow, and alternate around the stems. The flowerheads of this plant are small, clustered, and vary in color from white to pale pink, extending up to 2 cm long. The sticky birdflower blooms from June to September, making it one of the latest blooming species in its habitat.
Uses and Benefits
The sticky birdflower possesses medicinal properties, and it has served as a vital plant material for herbal medicine. Indigenous people used the sticky birdflower to treat digestive ailments, headaches, colds, and fever. Apart from medicinal uses, the sticky birdflower is a great ornamental plant for gardens. The plant attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Common Names
The sticky birdflower has several common names, including the sticky bird's beak, sticky orobanche, and sticky owl’s clover. It is named the sticky birdflower due to the sticky nature of the plant's glandular hairs that cover the entire plant's length.
Light Requirements
Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus prefers growing in full sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may lead to stunted growth and decreased flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to survive in a range of temperatures but grows best in a warm to a hot climate. The ideal temperature range for growth is 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). Temperatures that regularly fall below 50°F (10°C) can harm or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus is a native plant in much of California and requires well-draining soil. It grows well in sandy or gravelly soils with a pH between 5.5 to 7.8. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and requires low to moderate rates of phosphorus and nitrogen for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus is a semi-parasitic plant that needs to be grown near the roots of certain host plants such as buckwheat, tomato, or sunflower. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and in a sunny location at around 70°F. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which will occur in about 10-14 days. Thin out the weak seedlings and leave the strong ones to grow.
Watering Needs
Since the Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus is a semi-parasitic plant, it does not need much water. Watering should be done carefully, avoiding over-watering the plant, which can cause root rot. After planting, water the plants consistently every 2-3 days. During the hot season, it may be necessary to water the plants more frequently to ensure the soil stays moist.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is not necessary for the Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus, as it is a semi-parasitic plant. However, if you want to give the plant an extra boost, you can add a balanced fertilizer, low in nitrogen, around three weeks after germination. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil, not to the plant itself.
Pruning
The Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus does not require pruning unless the stems become too long and floppy, in which case you can pinch them back to encourage bushier growth. However, if the plants grow excessively, it is better to start over with new seeds than try to control the growth through pruning.
Propagation of Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus
Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus, commonly known as sticky bird's beak, is a rare annual plant that is found in a few scattered locations in California. The plant is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, so propagating it can help to maintain its populations.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus can be accomplished by a few different methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus is by seed propagation. Collect the seeds from mature plants in fall, which can be stored in a refrigerator in a sealed container to maintain its viability for up to five years.
Before planting, soak the seeds in cold water for around 24 hours. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall or early spring when the soil temperature is cool.
Root and Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus can also be done by root and stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken from the plant's roots or stems, and the best time for taking cuttings is in early spring before new growth appears.
The cuttings are then placed in well-drained soil and kept moist until they root and start new growth. Once they are established, they can be transplanted into their final growing location.
Transplantation of Seedlings
Another method of propagating Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus is by transplanting seedlings. Seedlings can be started indoors, or in a greenhouse, in the early spring and transplanted once they have grown to around two to three inches in height.
When transplanting, care must be taken not to disturb the roots. Seedlings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they have established themselves in their new location.
Propagation of Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus can be a challenging task, but it is necessary to maintain and preserve this rare and endangered plant species.
Disease Management
Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus can be susceptible to various diseases, and preventive measures should be taken to maintain a healthy plant population. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots can be caused by various fungal pathogens. The fungal spores can survive in the soil for several years and can infect the plant through the leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Avoid watering the plant late in the day, as this can promote the growth and spread of fungal spores. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and manage the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by a fungal pathogen that thrives in wet and poorly drained soil. The disease can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent and manage the disease.
Pest Management
Cordylanthus tenuis Gray ssp. viscidus can also be affected by various pests. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, wash the plant foliage with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap can also be used to manage the infestation.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that thrive in dry and dusty environments. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and have a stippled appearance. To manage spider mites, wash the plant foliage with a strong stream of water to remove them. Insecticidal soap can also be used to manage the infestation.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small insects that can cause the leaves to turn yellow and have a stippled appearance. They can also transmit plant viruses. To manage leafhoppers, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Insecticidal soap can also be used to manage the infestation.
