SafePlants

Hooker's Sandwort (Arenaria hookeri)

Hooker's sandwort is a charming plant often found in rocky habitats.

Considerations for Pets

• The leaves are described as sharp.
• Spiny phlox is mentioned in a list of common plants in the area.

Considerations for Children

• The leaves are described as sharp.
• Spiny phlox is mentioned in a list of common plants in the area.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Arenaria hookeri Nutt.
• Common Name: Hooker's Sandwort
• Other Names: Desert Sandwort, Eremogone hookeri
• Family: Chickweed (Alsinaceae) or Caryophyllaceae
• Some sources list it as Eremogone hookeri (Nuttall) W. A. Weber.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Arenaria congesta var. prolifera Maguire (not accepted)
  • Arenaria congesta var. (not accepted)
• Subspecies: Arenaria hookeri subsp. desertorum

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is often found growing on or near plains.
• Observed in locations like Jones Hole Road and Uinta County, Utah (at 7,550 ft.).
• Also mentioned in New Mexico.
• Can be found in Reno rock gardens.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It's classified as a subshrub, forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant.
• The leaf is sharp, short, and linear.
• Flower color is white.
• Lacks spines (spineless).

Ecological Role

• Common plants found in the same area include Colorado Pinyon (Pinus edulis), Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), and spiny phlox.

Further Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• The Plant List
• ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
• BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
• WikiSpecies
• Dave's Garden
• NIISS (presumably, the National Invasive Species Information Center, though context is lacking)