Pink Sand Verbena
(Abronia umbellata ssp. breviflora )
Four O'Clock Family (Nyctaginaceae)

Photo Copyright 2002 Lynn Watson

Description: Pink sand verbena is a prostrate annual with bright magenta flowers, perianth tube 0.3 - 0.4 inches (6-8 millimeters). Leaves are diamond shaped, 0.8- 2.8 inches (15-70 millimeters) long and succulent. Fruit have 4 poorly to moderately developed ± angled wings.

Distribution: Occurs from southern Oregon south to the central coast of California (Marin County). Regularly occurs at the Manila Dunes Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Research Natural Area on the Samoa Peninsula, Humboldt County.

Habitat: Disturbed sandy areas in coastal dunes and scrub; less than 328 feet (100 meters). Populations are usually small.

Flowering Period: July-October

Similar Plants: Before flowering, pink sand verbena may be confused with yellow sand verbena (Abronia latifolia), but yellow sand verbena's leaves are more oval than triangular. Upon flowering, there's no chance of confusion.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B