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prickly sandwort
Scientific Name: Arenaria aculeata
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Prickly Sandwort (Arenaria aculeata / Eremogone aculeata)
Prickly sandwort, known scientifically as both Arenaria aculeata and Eremogone aculeata, is a perennial wildflower belonging to the pink family.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This plant is called "prickly sandwort" due to its leaves. The leaves are described as stiff, narrow, with sharp points and blue waxy coating.
- The leaves are also described as mostly basal, forming thick, prickly cushions, rigid and sharp-pointed, spreading, narrowly linear, 1-2 cm long.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arenaria aculeata S. Watson (accepted); Eremogone aculeata
- Common Name: Prickly Sandwort
- Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
- Synonyms: Arenaria congesta var. aculeata, Arenaria fendleri, Minuartia aculeata
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California and found outside California.
- Grows in dry rocky areas, alpine, and subalpine regions.
Morphological Characteristics
- Loosely tufted perennial wildflower.
- Numerous sterile stems, 2-5 cm long.
- Flowering stems are erect, rising 8-20 cm high.
- Forms mats.
- Stems are 2-8 inches, upright, with leaves at right angles.
- Leaves are 1/3-1 1/3 inches, stiff, narrow, with sharp points and a blue waxy coating.
- Leaves mostly basal, forming thick, prickly cushions, rigid and sharp-pointed, spreading, narrowly linear, 1-2 cm long.
- Plant Height: 2 to 8 inches.
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Forb/herb
- Perennial plant
Ecological Role
- Pioneer plant that colonizes the sand just above the high water mark.
Quirky Facts
- The leaves are described as having a blue waxy coating.
Further Information
- Discover Life: Discover Life
- Dave's Garden: Dave's Garden
- EDDMapS Distribution Maps
- CalPhotos