Abronia villosa aka Desert Sand Verbena

Abronia villosa, or desert sand verbena, is an annual plant. It is part of the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Records place it in southern California and southwestern Arizona. They also place it in southern Nevada and southwestern Utah. In Mexico, it grows in Sonora and the Baja California peninsula. Kew lists its habitats as desert or dry shrubland. In California, it grows in scrub with creosote bush. These sites span sea level to about 8,200 feet [2,500 metres].

This small plant grows about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres] tall. It spreads to about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] across. Its broad, low shape takes up little space in height. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one year. It does not form a lasting woody frame. Plants For A Future gives July to September as its bloom time. Each flower has both male and female parts for breeding. Plants grown in Britain rarely set ripe seed. The sources give no facts on leaf shape or flower colour.

Choose a sunny site with light, sandy soil that drains well. The plant does not grow in shade. It accepts soils that are slightly acid or slightly alkaline. Neutral soil suits it too. Plants For A Future lists dry and moist soil as suitable. The soil must still drain well to meet its needs. It also copes with sea air. The same source lists USDA zones 7–10. It notes that the plant has limited hardiness in Britain. A warm, sheltered site in southern Britain improves its chances outdoors.

Grow it in garden beds with room for its low spread. Sow seed at a shallow depth in sandy compost. Do this in autumn or early spring. Plants For A Future says to start seed in greenhouse pots. Taking off the outer seed coat may help slow seeds sprout. A 24-hour soak in warm water may also help. Seeds take about one to two months to sprout at 59°F [15°C]. Move seedlings to their own pots when large enough. Plant them outdoors in early summer.

Plants For A Future reports no known edible uses or hazards. This does not prove the plant is safe to eat. It records past use to help increase urine flow. It also records the use of mashed roots on burns. People used these as a poultice, a paste laid on skin. These reports do not prove such uses are safe or work. The source lists no other uses. It flags no risk of the plant becoming a weed.