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red sand verbena

Scientific Name: Abronia maritima

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Red Sand Verbena (Abronia maritima)

Abronia maritima, commonly known as red sand verbena, is a fascinating plant adapted to the harsh conditions of coastal environments. Its vibrant red-violet flowers and succulent foliage make it a striking addition to sand dune ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a succulent.
  • It is glandular-hairy, which may cause skin irritation.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a succulent.
  • It is glandular-hairy, which may cause skin irritation.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Abronia maritima S. Watson
  • Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Common Names: Red sand verbena, Sticky sand verbena
  • Synonyms: Abronia maritima Nutt. ex S. Watson

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the coastlines of southern California and northern Baja California.
  • Specifically found on coastal strands and dunes.
  • Often grows in sandy areas, including marine reserves and state beaches.

Ecological Role

  • Important for sand dune stabilization.
  • Halophyte: adapted to saline (salty) environments.
  • Host plant for the Sand-verbena Moth (Copablepharon fuscum), a critically imperiled moth.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herb.
  • Evergreen.
  • Fleshy and succulent.
  • Diffuse-rooted.
  • Several-stemmed at the base.
  • Mat-forming and creeping growth habit.
  • Trailing succulent.
  • Densely glandular-hairy.
  • Compact clusters of red-violet flowers.

Bloom Time

  • Blooms from January to August.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Serves as a host plant for the Sand-verbena Moth (Copablepharon fuscum).

Related Species

  • Related to other Abronia species such as Abronia latifolia (coastal sand verbena/yellow sand verbena) and Abronia umbellata (pink sand verbena).

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Abronia maritima - Red sand verbena
  • CalPhotos: Click on a photo to see it bigger
  • Dave's Garden: Shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • USDA PLANTS Database