Common Name: Snowball Sand Verbena

General Information

Abronia fragrans is a procumbent to semi-erect, moderately branched perennial plant growing up to 60cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-western N. America - South Dakota to Nebraska, Colorado, Texas and Mexico

Habitat

Dry sandy soils, scrub and grasslands at elevations of 400 - 2,000 metres[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the warm temperate to subtropical zones where there are few frosts, it is not very hardy in cooler areas of the temperate zone.
Prefers a light well-drained sandy soil in full sun[].
The flowers are produced in terminal clusters, they only open in the coolness of the evening, diffusing a vanilla-like perfume[].
Seed is rarely ripened on plants growing in Britain[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[]. Dried then ground into a powder and mixed with corn[, , ]. Use of the root was said by some North American Indian tribes to give one a good appetite and make them fat[].

Medicinal

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

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow autumn or early spring very shallowly in pots of sandy soil in a greenhouse[]. Germination can be very slow unless you peel off the outer skin and pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water[, ]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15°c[]. 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[]. Plant out in late spring, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings in spring, rooted in sand[].