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Summary

Snowball sandverbena has limited food use. While the crisp white roots were occasionally eaten by Native American groups as a survival food or flour additive, modern observations suggest they are unpleasant in taste and may cause stomach distress. Other parts of the plant are not edible. This is best regarded as a famine food rather than a safe or reliable food source.

Physical Characteristics

Abronia fragrans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. speciosa.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked[46]. Dried then ground into a powder and mixed with corn[61, 105, 161]. Use of the root was said by some North American Indian tribes to give one a good appetite and make them fat[257]. The roots of snowball sandverbena are reported as edible, though they come with strong caution. When fresh, the roots are crisp, carrot-like, and mildly sweet, with a peppery undertone that can sting rather than pleasantly spice. Boiling softens the texture but does little to reduce the acrid flavor [2-3]. Historical accounts mention that Navajo, Acoma, and Laguna peoples occasionally used the roots, sometimes grinding them and mixing with cornmeal as a supplementary food. However, more recent reports describe the roots as bitter, fibrous, and irritating, with a sharp aftertaste [2-3]. Other plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds) are not edible. Within the Four o’clock family (Nyctaginaceae), very few species are edible at all, which raises additional concerns about safety [2-3]. Health Risks: Eating the roots can cause digestive upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Because the plant is poorly studied, safety cannot be guaranteed. If used at all, the roots should be eaten only in small quantities, and ideally combined with other staple foods [2-3].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cathartic Diaphoretic Emetic

The plant is cathartic, diaphoretic and emetic[257]. The roots and flowers were used by the North American Indians to treat stomach cramps and as a general panacea or 'life' medicine[257]. A cold infusion was used as a lotion for sores or sore mouths and also to bathe perspiring feet[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a light well-drained sandy soil in full sun[200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it should succeed outdoors in the southern part of the country, especially if given a warm sheltered site[200]. The flowers are produced in terminal clusters, they only open in the coolness of the evening, diffusing a vanilla-like perfume[245]. Seed is rarely ripened on plants growing in Britain[1].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow autumn or early spring very shallowly in pots of sandy soil in a greenhouse[133]. Germination can be very slow unless you peel off the outer skin and pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water[200, 245]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15°c[133]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Seedlings are prone to damp off and so should be kept well-ventilated[200]. Plant out in late spring, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings in spring, rooted in sand[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Kansas (west), Nebraska (west), North Dakota (west), Oklahoma (west), South Dakota (southwest), Colorado, Montana (east), Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona (north), Utah), Mexico (Chihuahua (north))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal
Abronia latifolia	Sand Verbena, Coastal sand verbena	Perennial	0.1	7-10	L	N	DM	2	0
Abronia turbinata	Transmontane Sand Verbena	Perennial	0.1	-	L	N	DM	0	1
Abronia villosa	Desert Sand Verbena	Annual	0.1	7-10	L	N	DM	0	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Abronia fragrans - Nutt.