SafePlants

Mojave Sandwort (Arenaria macradenia)

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 the traditional use of the root as an analgesic by the Kawaiisu. While not directly related to toxicity, it suggests the presence of bioactive compounds that could potentially affect animals if ingested.
• The plant is described as a subshrub with a woody base. The woody texture may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the traditional use of the root as an analgesic by the Kawaiisu. While not directly related to toxicity, it suggests the presence of bioactive compounds that could potentially affect children if ingested.
• The plant is described as a subshrub with a woody base. The woody texture may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

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, Arenaria macradenia S. Watson
• Subordinate Taxa: Arenaria macradenia S. Watson var. macradenia, Eremogone macradenia var. arcuifolia (Maguire) R.L. Hartm., Arenaria macradenia subsp. macradenia Maguire
• Full Name: Eremogone macradenia (S. Watson) Ikonn.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Mojave sandwort is found in the Mojave Desert, including locations in the White Mountains and Canyon Mountains (Millard Co., UT).
• It grows at elevations ranging from 1100-2200 meters. A specific sighting was reported at 6,800 ft elevation in the Canyon Mountains.
• Typical habitats include creosote bush scrub, Joshua tree, and pinyon-juniper woodland.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Mojave sandwort is a subshrub, also described as a forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant.
• Plants can grow up to 70 cm tall.
• It has a conspicuously leafy appearance near a woody, shortly branched base.
• Flowering stems are mostly leafless and 10-30 cm or more across.

Traditional Uses

• The dried root was traditionally used as an analgesic by the Kawaiisu people.

Cultivation

• Mojave sandwort prefers full sun.
• It requires infrequent watering, about once every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Watering is generally unnecessary during the plant's dormant period.
• It is drought-tolerant.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arenaria macradenia.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also has information available.
• Flora of North America also features information on this plant.