Sand Verbena, Coastal sand verbena
Abronia latifolia

Family: Nyctaginaceae

What it is like

Abronia latifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Coastal sand dunes and sea beaches. Sandy soils, coastal scrub, lees of dunes adjacent to strand from sea level to 50 metres.

South-western N. America - California to Vancouver Island..

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - large and sweet. An emergency food, used when all else fails. Long and stout, it can be more than 60cm in length. The root was usually harvested in the autumn.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a light well-drained sandy soil in full sun. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it should succeed outdoors in the southern part of the country, especially if given a warm sheltered site. Seed is rarely ripened on plants growing in Britain.

Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn or early spring very shallowly in pots of sandy soil in a greenhouse. Germination can be very slow unless you peel off the outer skin and pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Seedlings are prone to damp off and so should be kept well-ventilated. Plant out in late spring, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings in spring, rooted in sand.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. arenaria.