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Description
Abronia maritima, commonly known as the coastal sand verbena, is a species of flowering plant in the four o’clock family, Nyctaginaceae. It is native to the Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia to Baja California. This perennial herb grows in sand dunes and beaches, and it can tolerate salt spray and drought. The coastal sand verbena has a trailing habit, with stems that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. The leaves are succulent, spatulate, and gray-green in color. The flowers are fragrant, tubular, and pink to lavender in color, and they bloom from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus | Abronia |
| Species | Abronia maritima |
Appearance
The coastal sand verbena has a trailing habit, with stems that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. The leaves are succulent, spatulate, and gray-green in color, with a slightly wavy margin. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem, and they can measure up to 8 cm in length and 3 cm in width. The flowers are fragrant, tubular, and pink to lavender in color, with five petals that are fused at the base. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stems, and they can measure up to 1.5 cm in diameter. The fruit is a round capsule that contains four seeds.
Care Guide
The coastal sand verbena is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Here are some tips for growing this plant:- Water: The coastal sand verbena is drought-tolerant, but it benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: The coastal sand verbena does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth and flowering.- Soil: The coastal sand verbena prefers well-draining sandy soil. If your soil is heavy or clayey, amend it with sand and organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The coastal sand verbena thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may produce fewer flowers.- Hardiness Zones: The coastal sand verbena is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
The coastal sand verbena is relatively pest- and disease-resistant, but it may be susceptible to the following issues:- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot, which can lead to wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To avoid root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and water the plant sparingly.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the leaves and cause yellowing, stippling, and webbing. To control spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The coastal sand verbena is native to the Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia to Baja California. It grows in sand dunes and beaches, where it can tolerate salt spray and drought. The plant is often found in large colonies, forming a pink or lavender carpet on the sand.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my coastal sand verbena?
A: Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter. The coastal sand verbena is drought-tolerant, so it can survive with little water.
Q: Can I grow coastal sand verbena in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow coastal sand verbena in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and receives plenty of sunlight. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep to accommodate the plant’s trailing habit.
Q: Does coastal sand verbena attract pollinators?
A: Yes, coastal sand verbena is an important nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The fragrant flowers are especially attractive to hawkmoths.
Q: Can I propagate coastal sand verbena from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate coastal sand verbena from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in partial shade until the cutting roots.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to coastal sand verbena:- Abronia latifolia (yellow sand verbena)- Abronia umbellata (pink sand verbena)- Abronia villosa (desert sand verbena)- Mirabilis jalapa (four o’clock flower)
References
– “Abronia maritima.” Calflora. California Plant Names: Latin and Greek Meanings and Derivations. Web. 27 Aug. 2021.- “Abronia maritima.” The Jepson Herbarium. University of California, Berkeley. Web. 27 Aug. 2021.- Williams, S. (2014). Coastal Sand Verbena. Pacific Horticulture, 75(2), 48-51.
