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island sand verbena

Scientific Name: Abronia insularis

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sand-Verbena: A Coastal Gem

Sand-verbenas, members of the Abronia genus, are fascinating plants adapted to thrive in sandy coastal environments. Several species and subspecies exist, each with unique characteristics and distribution ranges. These plants, along with the Sand-verbena Moth, are often subjects of conservation efforts.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Sand-verbena species are trailing perennial herbs.

Considerations for Children

  • Some Sand-verbena species are trailing perennial herbs.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Accepted Name: Abronia umbellata var. umbellata Lam. (Island Sand Verbena)
  • Abronia latifolia Eschsch. (Yellow Sand-verbena, Coastal Sand-verbena)
  • Abronia ammophila Greene (Yellowstone Sand Verbena, Wyoming Sand Verbena)
  • Abronia maritima (Red Sand Verbena)
  • Abronia insularis (Island Sand Verbena)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock family)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species, Subspecies, Variety

Distribution and Habitat

  • Sand-verbenas are found along the Pacific coast, from California to British Columbia, including Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii).
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Goose Spit
    • Sandy Island
    • Cordova Bay
    • Ahousat (near Tofino, Vancouver Island)
    • Oregon
    • Yellowstone Lake and its islands, Lewis, Delusion, Duck, and Riddle lakes
    • Channel Islands
    • Alberta (Springs, Grassy Lake, Wolf Island, Lower Bow, North of Medicine Hat)
    • Antelope Island, Utah

Ecological Role

  • Yellow Sand-verbena is the exclusive host plant for the endangered Sand-verbena Moth (Copablepharon fuscum).
  • The Sand-verbena Moth is critically imperiled and known to exist in a narrow range in the Strait of Georgia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Yellow Sand-verbena grows in large mats.
  • Pink Sand-verbena is a sweet-smelling annual herb with rounded blooms.
  • Some species are trailing perennial herbs.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The Sand-verbena Moth (Copablepharon fuscum) relies on yellow sand-verbena as its host plant.

Resources and Further Information

  • Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada
  • Discover Life (for biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Abronia insularis)