Abronia fragrans - Snowball Sand Verbena

Habitat

Exposition

Plein soleil

Humidité

Sol sec à moyen. Tolère la sécheresse.

Sol

Sol léger à moyen. Nécessite un sol drainant.

pH

Sol acide ou calcaire

Rusticité

Zone 8

Habitat originel

Dry sandy soils[60, 235].

Origine géographique

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

Comestibilité

• Racine - cuite [46].
• Dried then ground into a powder and mixed with corn [61, 105, 161].
• Use of the root was said by some North American Indian tribes to give one a good appetite and make them fat [257].

Usages médicinaux

• The plant is cathartic, diaphoretic and emetic [257].
• The roots and flowers were used by the North American Indians to treat stomach cramps and as a general panacea or 'life' medicine [257].
• A cold infusion was used as a lotion for sores or sore mouths and also to bathe perspiring feet [257].

Culture

• Prefers a light well-drained sandy soil in full sun [200].
• This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it should succeed outdoors in the southern part of the country, especially if given a warm sheltered site [200].
• The flowers are produced in terminal clusters, they only open in the coolness of the evening, diffusing a vanilla-like perfume [245].
• Seed is rarely ripened on plants growing in Britain [1].

Propagation

• Seed - sow autumn or early spring very shallowly in pots of sandy soil in a greenhouse [133].
• Germination can be very slow unless you peel off the outer skin and pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water [200, 245].
• The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15°c [133].
• 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 [200].
• Plant out in late spring, after the last expected frosts .
• Cuttings in spring, rooted in sand [200].