Snowball Sand Verbena

Abronia fragrans

Physical Characteristics

Abronia fragrans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[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]. The roots of snowball sandverbena are reported as edible, though they come with strong caution. When fresh, the roots are crisp, carrot-like, and mildly sweet, with a peppery undertone that can sting rather than pleasantly spice. Boiling softens the texture but does little to reduce the acrid flavor [2-3]. Historical accounts mention that Navajo, Acoma, and Laguna peoples occasionally used the roots, sometimes grinding them and mixing with cornmeal as a supplementary food. However, more recent reports describe the roots as bitter, fibrous, and irritating, with a sharp aftertaste [2-3]. Other plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds) are not edible. Within the Four o’clock family (Nyctaginaceae), very few species are edible at all, which raises additional concerns about safety [2-3]. Health Risks: Eating the roots can cause digestive upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Because the plant is poorly studied, safety cannot be guaranteed. If used at all, the roots should be eaten only in small quantities, and ideally combined with other staple foods [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

Cathartic Diaphoretic Emetic 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.

Known Hazards

Eating the roots can cause digestive upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Because the plant is poorly studied, safety cannot be guaranteed. If used at all, the roots should be eaten only in small quantities, and ideally combined with other staple foods [2-3].