Sand-verbena (Abronia umbellata, Tabl. Encycl. 1: 469 (1793))

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Tabl. Encycl. 1: 469 (1793)

Year: 1793

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Abronia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. California to Mexico (Baja California)

Description

Sand-verbena, scientifically known as Abronia umbellata, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. This species was first described in 1793, and the formal documentation can be found in the first volume of Tabl. Encycl., on page 469, attributed to the botanist Lam.

Native to the coastal regions stretching from Western California to Mexico’s Baja California, Sand-verbena thrives in sandy soils and coastal dune environments. Its distribution along these areas highlights its adaptability to coastal climates and sandy substrates, which provide an ideal habitat for its growth and reproduction.

Abronia umbellata features striking and vibrant blooms that are not only visually appealing but also play a significant role in local ecosystems. The plant’s flowers are typically shades of pink or purple, arranged in umbels that make them alluring to various pollinators, including insects and birds. The floriferous nature of this species contributes to its popularity among horticulturists and garden enthusiasts who seek to incorporate native, drought-tolerant plants into their landscapes.

The structural characteristics of Sand-verbena include a ground-hugging growth habit, with trailing stems that create a low, sprawling mat. This growth form makes it an excellent groundcover, helping to stabilize sandy soils and prevent erosion on coastal dunes. Its leaves are fleshy and somewhat sticky, adaptations that help it conserve water and thrive in its arid, salty environment.

Beyond its ecological appeal, Abronia umbellata has potential benefits for soil stabilization and habitat restoration, particularly in coastal areas where erosion control is crucial. Understanding the plant’s role and optimizing its use in environmental conservation initiatives can significantly contribute to maintaining the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.

In conclusion, Sand-verbena or Abronia umbellata is more than a visually stunning plant; it is a vital component of coastal habitats from Western California to Baja California. Its distinctive flowers, ecological importance, and potential for soil stabilization embody the multifaceted value of this remarkable species within the Nyctaginaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: pink sand verbena, sand-verbena, pink sand-verbena, beach sand-verbena
Swe: sandkrypa
Fra: abronie rose
En: Sand-verbena, Wild verbena, Pink sand verbena, Purple sand verbena, Pink sand-verbena, Beach sand-verbena
Fr: Abronie rose
De: Rosafarbene Sandverbene
Ml: അംബ്രോനിയ അംബെല്ലാറ്റ
Ru: Аброния зонтичная
Sv: Sandkrypa

Synonyms

Distribution

• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 20, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by EOL − aarenas (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 20, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 30, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 15, 2014 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Dec 13, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 13, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − allysaurus1 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 21, 2017 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2013 by EOL − James Maughn (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Dec 24, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Christian Strasser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Christian Strasser (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 24, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 25, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 8, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 30, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jan 20, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384870)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:326894-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Abronia umbellata Lam.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth