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Mojave sandwort

Scientific Name: Arenaria macradenia ssp. macradenia var. arcuifoli

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Mojave Sandwort (Arenaria macradenia)

The Arenaria macradenia, commonly known as Mojave sandwort or desert sandwort, is a flowering plant belonging to the pink family (Caryophyllaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions a traditional use of the dried root as an analgesic by the Kawaiisu people. While this doesn't directly indicate toxicity, the presence of bioactive compounds warrants caution around pets that might ingest the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arenaria macradenia S. Watson
  • Common Names: Mojave sandwort, desert sandwort, Mohave Sandwort, Shrubby Sandwort, Showy Sandwort.
  • Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
  • Synonyms: Eremogone macradenia (S. Watson) Ikonn.
  • Subspecies/Varieties:
    • Arenaria macradenia S. Watson var. macradenia
    • Arenaria macradenia subsp. macradenia Maguire
    • Eremogone macradenia var. arcuifolia (Maguire) R.L. Hartm.
  • Taxonomic Status: Accepted species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Mojave sandwort is found in the Mojave Desert and surrounding regions.
  • It has been observed in locations such as the White Mountains (elevation 1760 m / 5780 ft), Canyon Mountains, Millard County, UT (elevation around 6,800 ft), and Zion National Park.
  • Specific habitats include creosote bush scrub, Joshua tree, and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
  • It is documented in places such as Arizona (United States Department of Agriculture) and the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Arenaria macradenia is a subshrub forb/herb.
  • It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
  • Plants can grow to 70 cm tall.
  • Characterized by being conspicuously leafy near a woody, shortly branched, nearly leafless base.
  • Flowering stems are mostly 10–30 cm or more across.

Ecological Role

  • Native.

Additional Information

  • Prefers full sun.
  • Requires infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Resources

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arenaria macradenia.
  • Flora of North America