Snowball Sand Verbena
Abronia fragrans

Family: Nyctaginaceae

What it is like

Abronia fragrans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). 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) and medium (loamy) 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 and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry sandy soils, scrub and grasslands at elevations of 400 - 2000 metres.

South-western N. America - South Dakota to Nebraska, Colorado, Texas and Mexico

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - cooked. Dried then ground into a powder and mixed with corn. Use of the root was said by some North American Indian tribes to give one a good appetite and make them fat.

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

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is cathartic, diaphoretic and emetic. The roots and flowers were used by the North American Indians to treat stomach cramps and as a general panacea or 'life' medicine. A cold infusion was used as a lotion for sores or sore mouths and also to bathe perspiring feet.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

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. The flowers are produced in terminal clusters, they only open in the coolness of the evening, diffusing a vanilla-like perfume. 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;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. speciosa.