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Little Sand Verbena (Abronia minor)

The Little Sand Verbena, also known as Small-Flowered Abronia or Smallflower Sandverbena, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Abronia. Recent surveys have focused on the Yellowstone sand verbena, with botanists working to understand its life history and biology.

Common Names:

• Little Sand Verbena
• Small-Flowered Abronia
• Smallflower Sandverbena

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Tripterocalyx micranthus (Synonym)
• Scientific Name: Abronia minor
• Group: Dicot
• Family: [The provided text does not explicitly mention the family.]
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: There are multiple species listed that contain "sand verbena" within their name.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Found in locations such as New Mexico, California and Alberta
• Specifically mentioned locations include: Yellowstone National Park, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and Little River State Beach
• The Desert sand-verbena series is common on stabilized dunes.

Ecological Role:

• Serves as a nectar source for insects, such as the Sand-verbena Moth.
• Existing populations can be geographically isolated, limiting genetic exchange.

Morphological Characteristics

• Non-woody plant (forb/herb).
• Desert Sand Verbenas grow flowers that are pink or purple.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

• The Yellow Sand Verbena provides nectar for the Sand-verbena Moth, which drinks with its long proboscis.
• Leaf miners may create trails in the leaves, but generally do not cause significant damage.

Further Information:

• Discover Life offers pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Abronia minor.
• Dave's Garden provides a community forum for sharing tips and ideas about gardens, seeds, and plants.