Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Abronia villosa S. Wats.
Desert sand verbena, Desert sand-verbena, Desert sandverbena
Nyctaginaceae (Four-O'clock Family)
A soft-haired, sticky plant with bright pink, trumpet-shaped flowers in heads that bloom on stalks growing from leaf axils. Desert sand-verbena appears as a mat following winter rains, growing 20 in. across and 3-6 in high. Short, sticky hairs cover both the inch-long,
oval, fleshy leaves and the many-branched stems. Erect, 1-3 in. stems bear conspicuous clusters of fragrant, lavender-pink flowers.
Following ample winter rains, Desert Sand Verbena may carpet miles of desert with pink.
Image Gallery:
9 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Annual Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NV , UT
Native Distribution: S.w. AZ, s.e. CA, s.w. UT & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Driest desert areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Can be used as an
annual ground cover as it reseeds.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2009-02-21
