Abronia latifolia (Yellow Sand Verbena)

A good choice for dune areas, Abronia latifolia (Yellow Sand Verbena) is a trailing perennial forming a succulent mat of fleshy, oval to rounded leaves. In late spring to late summer, showy snowballs packed with small, fragrant, bright golden flowers rise on sturdy stems in the leaf axils of the trailing stems. If given the proper conditions, it will flower most of the year. The blossoms attract bees and butterflies. Yellow Sand Verbena grows from a fleshy root structure that is edible and traditionally eaten by the Chinook Native Americans. Native to sandy beaches and dunes of the Pacific coast of North America, this wildflower is a useful groundcover in its home area. It is considered an important plant in helping to stabilize dunes and resist erosion.

• Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 3-7 ft. wide (90-210 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in sandy, friable, well-drained soils, where it will receive moderate water. Drainage must be very sharp for the plant to tolerate moderate water. Tolerates salt spray.
• Great for coastal gardens, native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, banks, and slopes (erosion).
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed sown in autumn.
• Native to California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.