Chloropyron molle subsp. molle
Soft salty bird's-beak, Soft Salty Bird's-Beak
Photo: parent species Chloropyron molle · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (Soft salty bird's-beak) is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by flower indument and branching diagnostic.
Soft salty bird's-beak is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in northern central Coast Ranges and the delta region of the Great Valley in coastal salt marshes at elevations below 10 meters. Flowering from July to November, this plant produces delicate flowers with a densely tomentose corolla pouch and tube. Growing with generally few branches ascending from the middle of soft-hairy stems, it reaches 5 to 15 centimeters in height. Its leaves and stems are characterized by a soft, hair-covered texture that helps it blend into its marshy habitat. The seeds are small, measuring 2 to 3 millimeters long, allowing for easy dispersal in the salty coastal environment.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; flower indument and branching diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal salt marshes
Elevation: < 10 m
California counties: Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Solano
Bloom period
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle blooms Jul-Nov.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Castilleja: Leaves completely unlobed and smooth-edged, not lobed or divided.; vs Cordylanthus: Found exclusively in saline or alkaline habitats like salt marshes.; vs Cressa: Has typical Orobanchaceae hooded flowers, not small white tubular Convolvulaceae blooms.; vs Triphysaria: Calyx barely notched at tip (~1 mm), not deeply divided.; vs Orthocarpus: Leaves entirely unlobed, not lobed or divided in any way.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chloropyron molle subsp. molle native to California?
Yes. Chloropyron molle subsp. molle is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chloropyron molle subsp. molle bloom?
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle blooms Jul-Nov.
Where in California does Chloropyron molle subsp. molle grow?
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle occurs in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Solano, at elevations of < 10 m.
What plant family does Chloropyron molle subsp. molle belong to?
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Chloropyron.
Is Chloropyron molle subsp. molle rare or endangered?
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Chloropyron palmatum — Palmate salty bird's-beak
- Chloropyron sp. — Salty bird's-beak
- Chloropyron tecopense — Tecopa salty bird's-beak
- Chloropyron maritimum — Salt marsh bird's beak
- Chloropyron maritimum subsp. canescens
- Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum — Salt marsh bird's-beak
- Cordylanthus capitatus — Yakima bird's-beak
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.