Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay
Salt Marsh Bird's Beak (Cordylanthus maritimus)
Plant:  An annual plant that grows in the very upper tidal zone of the salt marsh.   8 to 10 inches tall.  The number of plants will vary each year depending on the growing conditions. Rare.
Flowers: It got its name because its flower is like a baby bird's beak pointed towards the sky.
Leaf: Woolly, green with a whitish bloom.
Flowering period:  May to September
Can be found here: Shellmaker Island, Back Bay Drive at San Joaquin Hills Road, North Star Beach
Native Plant: Yes Halophyte: Yes
Family Name: Figwort Click on Picture for enlarged version

Date: 10/16/2005