Sticky Sandspurry
Spergularia macrotheca
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States
tomhilton (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caryophyllaceae
- Genus:
- Spergularia
- Species:
- Spergularia macrotheca
- USDA Symbol:
- SPMA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, saline, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found in coastal and saline environments
Propagation & Germination
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: S. macrotheca var. macrotheca is found in salt marshes and bluffs along the coast, from Lower California to British Columbia.
Source: npn.rngr.net