Abronia latifolia aka Yellow Sand Verbena

Abronia latifolia is a low perennial called yellow sand verbena. It belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. Kew places its native range from southwest Canada to western California. Plants For A Future also lists coastal Baja California. Its wild sites include beaches, sand dunes, and coastal scrub. It grows near sea level, including sheltered spots behind dunes. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant grows close to the ground and spreads outward. Plants For A Future gives a height of 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. Its stated spread is about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Kew describes its growth form as a caudex subshrub. This differs from the simple perennial label used by Plants For A Future. The plant has a long, thick root beneath its low growth. That root can exceed 2 feet [0.6 metres] in length.

Flowers appear from June through August, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Plants grown in Britain seldom produce ripe seed. This limits the supply of seed from garden plants there. The supplied sources give no further details about the fruit. They also give no clear account of leaves or stems.

Grow it in full sun and light, sandy soil. Good drainage matters, and the plant cannot grow in shade. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. Soil may be dry or moist, and plants withstand coastal exposure. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. It also warns that British winters can limit outdoor growth. A warm, sheltered site in southern Britain offers better prospects. Beds beside east-, south-, or west-facing walls are listed planting sites.

Seeds need shallow sowing in sandy compost under glass. Sow in autumn or early spring. Removing the outer coat and soaking can help slow germination. Seeds may take one to two months at 15°C. Keep seedlings well aired, since damping off can affect them. Grow them under glass through their first winter. Plant them outside after the last expected spring frost. Spring cuttings can also root in sand. The large, sweet root has served as emergency food. People generally gathered it in autumn. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. That report does not establish safety for every use or pet.