Paronychia argentea, commonly known as Algerian Tea, is an annual herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean Basin, including regions in North Africa, Southern Europe, and parts of the Middle East. It typically grows up to 12 inches tall and is characterized by its silvery-white bracts that give the plant a distinctive appearance, especially when they accompany the small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in the summer months. Algerian Tea is adapted to a variety of habitats including sandy areas, coastal scrub, abandoned fields, and dry, rocky terrains where it often forms part of the ground cover.

Algerian Tea is valued for its ornamental silver bracts and is used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and blood purifier. In cultivation, it is suitable for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a ground cover in hot, dry sites. It requires well-drained soil, minimal water once established, and thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While not commonly found in cultivation, its drought tolerance and unique bracts make it an interesting choice for gardeners interested in Mediterranean or desert plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0