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Desert Sand Verbena

Abronia villosa

false

1 gallon

Desert Sand Verbena

Out of stock

6"x20"

Sizes:

Desert Sand Verbena – Abronia villosa

A local annual wildflower, Desert Sand Verbena, appears as a mat following winter rains, growing up to 20 inches across and 3–6 inches high. Its sticky silver-gray foliage supports rounded clusters of fragrant, purple flowers. Typically blooming between February and May, Abronia villosa has shown flexibility in bloom time, notably germinating after summer rain events like Hurricane Hilary and flowering into the heat of early summer. This adaptability suggests that under the right conditions, it can bloom nearly any time of year.

The plant is native to sandy soils of the Sonoran and Colorado Deserts and requires excellent drainage to thrive. It is a favorite in native wildflower gardens and restoration projects and plays an important role in stabilizing sandy areas. The bright blooms attract a wide range of desert-adapted pollinators.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: White-checkered Skipper (Pyrgus albescens); West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella); Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus); Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Bird Resources: —
Bird Species: —

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

6"x20"

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Purple

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.