Abronia umbellata (Sand Verbena)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo is from Torrey Pines. The plants were growing on a bluff above the shore.

The photo below highlights the succulent leaves.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Verbenaceae

In the garden:

Abronia umbellata is a perennial with slender prostrate stems up to 3 feet in length. It is sparsely to much-branched and has dull green leaves. It is succulent and often reddish in color. It flowers most of the year, with rose or sometimes whitish blooms. The mature plant has a stout taproot, which serves as a reservoir for food and water. It will die back in the winter. It does best in full sun and in a well-drained light sandy loam, but can be raised in a wide variety of soils. It is tolerant of salt and wind. It needs some summer water and likes cool conditions. In the garden, it fulfills a special niche: plant on a sandy bank or exposed slope near the coast, where it will help to bind the soil and prevent slippage. It is a difficult plant to establish, because it is sought out by snails, slugs, and other insects. Seeds are difficult to locate after flowering.

In the wild:

Sand Verbena is found on the coast from Washington state down to Baja California.

Ethnobotany:

No information found on this species.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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