SafePlants

Desert Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa)

Abronia villosa, commonly known as desert sand-verbena or chaparral sand-verbena, is a vibrant annual wildflower native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its stunning displays of pink flowers can carpet the desert floor after ample winter rains.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is covered in short, sticky hairs.
• It grows low to the ground, potentially making it easily accessible to pets.
• The stems are described as somewhat sticky.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is covered in short, sticky hairs.
• It grows low to the ground, potentially making it easily accessible to children.
• The stems are described as somewhat sticky.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Abronia villosa
• Common Names: Desert sand-verbena, Chaparral sand-verbena, Hairy sand verbena
• Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock Plant Family)
• Synonyms: A villosa var villosa (mentioned in a German-English dictionary entry)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the desert southwest of the United States and northern Mexico.
• Specifically found in southern California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California.
• Thrives in sandy flats, creosote bush scrub, and open sandy areas.
• Can be found up to 3000 feet in elevation.
• A coastal species in southern areas.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Annual plant, growing to approximately 0.1 meters (4 inches) in height and 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) in width.
• Grows as a mat, often appearing after winter rains.
• Glandular-pubescent and much-branched with stems that are prostrate or ascending.
• Covered in short, sticky hairs.
• Leaves are opposite.
• Flowers from July to September.
• Features bright pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that are fragrant at nighttime.
• Flowers are in dense verbena-like clusters.
• Has white to light purple flowers and gray leaves.

Quirky Facts

• Desert sand-verbena is known for its brilliant pink, fragrant (at nighttime) flowers.
• It can carpet miles of desert with pink after ample rains, creating a stunning visual display.

Additional Resources

• Dave's Garden
• Wikimedia Commons
• California Academy of Sciences
• Gettys
• AllPosters.com
• Shutterstock