Abronia umbellata var. breviflora
Pink sand-verbena, pink sand-verbena, pink sand-verbena
Photo: parent species Abronia umbellata · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Nyctaginaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora (Pink sand-verbena) is a native California vine in the Nyctaginaceae family, recognized by North Coast distribution and smaller flowers diagnostic.
Pink sand-verbena is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in northern coastal and central coastal bioregions, specifically in Marin County, in disturbed sandy areas, coastal dunes, and scrub at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces magenta flowers with cream to light yellow throat spots in clusters of 10 to 18 blooms. Growing with delicate, spreading stems that trail along sandy surfaces, it forms low-growing mats characteristic of coastal dune environments. Its leaves are soft and oval, creating a dense ground-covering appearance that helps stabilize sandy soils. The flower perianth tube ranges from green to magenta, with a distinctive light yellow throat spot that adds visual complexity to its delicate magenta blooms.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species - North Coast distribution and smaller flowers diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed sandy areas, coastal dunes and scrub
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Humboldt, Mendocino
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 umbellata var. breviflora native to California?
Yes. Abronia umbellata var. breviflora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Abronia umbellata var. breviflora bloom?
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Abronia umbellata var. breviflora grow?
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora occurs in Humboldt, Mendocino, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Abronia umbellata var. breviflora belong to?
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora is in the Nyctaginaceae family, genus Abronia.
Is Abronia umbellata var. breviflora rare or endangered?
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.