SafePlants

Abronia umbellata: Pink Sand Verbena

Abronia umbellata, commonly known as pink sand verbena, beach sand verbena, or purple sand verbena, is a flowering perennial plant native to western North America and the western United States. It's appreciated for its ornamental value and ability to thrive in coastal environments.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant is a prostrate perennial with succulent leaves. This might be of interest to pets, particularly cats and dogs, who may be tempted to nibble on the leaves.
• The plant is known to be a ground-creeping plant. This growth habit could make it easily accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• As a ground-creeping plant, pink sand verbena could be easily accessible and tempting for young children to pick or taste.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Abronia umbellata Lam.
• Common Names: Pink sand verbena, beach sand verbena, purple sand verbena.
• Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four o'clock family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Subspecies:
  • Abronia umbellata subsp. umbellata
  • Abronia umbellata subsp. breviflora
  • Abronia umbellata var. breviflora (Standley) L. A. Galloway

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America and the western United States.
• Found in coastal sandy beach and dune ecosystems.
• Specifically mentioned locations include:
  • British Columbia
  • Baja California
  • Vancouver Island
  • The Pacific Coast of North America
  • Leadbetter Point (Washington State)
  • Crissy Field
  • Dry sandy soil environments

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Prostrate perennial.
• Somewhat succulent leaves (but thinner than A. maritima).
• Stems are slender, glabrous to glandular-hairy, and often reddish, becoming more than 3 feet long.
• Grows in a mat-like form.
• Flowers are deep pink to white.

Ecological Role

• The plant is described as endangered in some regions.
• It plays a role in coastal sage scrub ecosystems.

Interactions with other organisms

• It is mentioned that Painted Lady butterflies nectar on the flowers.

Further Information

• CalPhotos (referenced for images).
• U.S.D.I. Bureau of Land Management, Coos Bay District.
• U.S.D.A.
• Parks Canada Agency.
• UCSC Natural Reserves.
• Dave's Garden (community for gardening tips).