Abronia latifolia
Coastal sand verbena
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Family: Nyctaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Abronia latifolia (Coastal sand verbena) is a native California herb in the Nyctaginaceae family, recognized by yellow flowers diagnostic among coastal species.
Coastal sand verbena is a California native perennial found in northern coastal, central coastal, and northern southern coastal regions of California, particularly in Santa Barbara County, inhabiting coastal dunes and scrub at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces yellow flowers with yellow-green perianth tubes, forming dense clusters up to 34 blooms. Growing as a prostrate herb forming a dense mat, it spreads up to 2 meters with short branches and thick, fleshy stems. Its thick leaves are broadly ovate to kidney-shaped, measuring 2 to 5 centimeters long with petioles 1 to 6 centimeters in length. The fruit is 8 to 15 millimeters long with net-like veining, tapering to its base and potentially featuring subtle hair coverage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species - yellow flowers diagnostic among coastal species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes, scrub
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Humboldt, Mendocino, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sonoma, Marin, Alameda, Del Norte, Butte
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Abronia latifolia blooms May-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Lantana: Abronia flowers have no true petals (colorful sepals); Lantana has small tubular flowers with 4-5 petals.; vs Calystegia: Abronia has small flowers in dense rounded heads; Calystegia has large solitary funnel-shaped flowers.; vs Verbena: Abronia flowers are in dense rounded heads on trailing stems; Verbena has flowers in spikes.; vs Mirabilis: Abronia flowers lack the cup of fused bracts; Mirabilis has 5 bracts forming a cup around flowers.; vs Glandularia: Abronia has dense rounded flower heads and thick-winged fruits; Glandularia has spiked clusters and dry capsules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Abronia latifolia native to California?
Yes. Abronia latifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Abronia latifolia bloom?
Abronia latifolia blooms May-Oct.
Where in California does Abronia latifolia grow?
Abronia latifolia occurs in Humboldt, Mendocino, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and other counties, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Abronia latifolia belong to?
Abronia latifolia is in the Nyctaginaceae family, genus Abronia.
What habitat does Abronia latifolia grow in?
Abronia latifolia grows in Coastal dunes, scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.