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Abronia fragrans - Nutt.

Common Name Snowball Sand Verbena
Family Nyctaginaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry sandy soils, scrub and grasslands at elevations of 400 - 2000 metres[60, 235, 270].
Range South-western N. America - South Dakota to Nebraska, Colorado, Texas and Mexico
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Abronia fragrans Snowball Sand Verbena


Abronia fragrans Snowball Sand Verbena

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
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.

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].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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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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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

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

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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 Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Abronia latifoliaSand Verbena, Coastal sand verbenaPerennial0.1 7-10  LNDM20 
Abronia turbinataTransmontane Sand VerbenaPerennial0.1 -  LNDM01 
Abronia villosaDesert Sand VerbenaAnnual0.1 7-10  LNDM01 

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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Expert comment

Author

Nutt.

Botanical References

60270274

Links / References

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Subject : Abronia fragrans  
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