Coastal Sand Verbena, Yellow Sand-verbena
Abronia latifolia

Family: Nyctaginaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are 33 Abronia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on sand dunes and near beaches. It needs well drained soil and full sunlight. It needs a warm sheltered position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The long stout root is eaten.

An emergency food only.

Edible parts

Root, stems

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water before sowing. Seedlings need good ventilation to avoid damping off. Cuttings can be used.

Its other names

Local names

Sand verbena

Synonyms

Abronia arenaria Menzies ex Hook.; Tricratus arenarius (Menzies ex Hook.) Spreng.;