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Abronia latifolia
yellow sand verbena
Overview
Abronia latifolia is a prostrate, mat-forming perennial of Pacific coast dunes and beaches, trailing across open sand on fleshy, sticky stems that radiate from a deep, thick taproot. The rounded to kidney-shaped leaves are thick, 0.5-2 inches (1.5-5 cm) long, glandular-hairy, and often coated with adhering sand. From spring into autumn, rounded heads of bright yellow, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers about 0.3 inch (6-8 mm) long rise on short stalks above the foliage. The flowers are sweetly scented, especially in the evening. Stems spread 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) or more across the sand, rooting and helping to bind shifting dunes. The deep taproot stores water and anchors the plant against wind and burial, but makes established plants very difficult to transplant. It needs full sun, sharp drainage, and salt-laden coastal air, and fails in heavy, rich, or poorly drained soil inland. Foliage and flowers collect sand, giving the plant a gritty surface.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California, on coastal dunes, beaches, and sandy bluffs within reach of salt spray.Suggested Uses
Grown in coastal and dune gardens, sandy beds, and seaside slopes for sand binding and erosion control. Used in Pacific Northwest and California native plantings within reach of salt air. Its deep taproot and need for sharp, sandy drainage restrict its use in ordinary garden soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from spring into autumn, generally May through October, in flushes through the warm months. Rounded heads of bright yellow trumpet flowers release a sweet scent, strongest in the evening. Moths, bees, and other insects pollinate the fragrant flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight