Snowball Sand Verbena

Abronia fragrans

Also known as: Carleton's Sand Verbena

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Nyctaginaceae
Genus:
Abronia
Species:
Abronia fragrans
USDA Symbol:
ABFR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white
Ground Cover:
Yes
Lawn Substitute:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Lithariapteryx abroniaeella

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in well-drained sandy soil.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI