Desert Sand Verbena
(Abronia villosa)
Desert Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa)
/
/
Randal
Public Domain
Image By:
Randal
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Randal | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Randal | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-02-16T08:58:13-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Abronia villosa, commonly known as Desert Sand Verbena, is an annual herb native to sandy deserts and coastal sage scrub in the Southwestern United States, California, and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 0.3-0.5 feet (0.09-0.2 meters) and can spread up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide. The plant forms a prostrate mat with hairy stems and oval-shaped, dull green leaves. From late winter to early spring, usually between February and May, it produces numerous peduncles bearing rounded clusters of bright magenta or purplish-pink flowers that are highly fragrant and sticky to the touch.
Desert Sand Verbena is valued for its vibrant flower color and sweet fragrance, making it a delightful addition to xeriscapes, rock gardens, and naturalized areas in warm climates. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring well-drained sandy soils. While it is drought-tolerant, it can benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Gardeners often use it as ground cover or for adding seasonal color to desert landscapes. However, it can be difficult to grow in non-native environments due to its specific soil and moisture requirements.CC BY-SA 4.0
Desert Sand Verbena is valued for its vibrant flower color and sweet fragrance, making it a delightful addition to xeriscapes, rock gardens, and naturalized areas in warm climates. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring well-drained sandy soils. While it is drought-tolerant, it can benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Gardeners often use it as ground cover or for adding seasonal color to desert landscapes. However, it can be difficult to grow in non-native environments due to its specific soil and moisture requirements.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Sandy deserts and coastal sage scrub in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Chaparral Sand-Verbena, Desert Sand-Verbena
Scientific Names: , Abronia villosa, Abronia villosa var. villosa, Abronia villosa f. rubescens, Abronia umbellata f. villosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Abronia villosa S.Watson