Beach Sand-spurrey
Spergularia macrotheca var. macrotheca
Care
full sun
Friendly
Coastal dunes and sandy areas of California from Sonoma County to San Diego County, below 500 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Beach Sand-spurrey in full sun where it will thrive in the Bay Area's coastal and inland gardens. This plant tolerates alkaline and saline soils that many other plants reject, making it ideal for challenging garden spots. Space plants to accommodate their spreading, prostrate growth habit, which can stretch up to 40 centimeters across the ground.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the plant's taproot system. Once established, Beach Sand-spurrey is remarkably drought-tolerant thanks to its fleshy leaves and deep root structure - a trait inherited from its native habitat in marshes, alkali flats, and coastal areas. The plant's sticky glandular hairs give it a somewhat rough texture, but this is normal and requires no intervention; simply let it sprawl naturally or prune lightly if needed to maintain shape.
Visit Calscape for more information about Beach Sand-spurrey
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Coast horned lizard, coastal sage scrub specialist
Wildlife Supported
Reptiles
insects attracted to plant provide invertebrate prey base
uses low-growing herb matting for cover and thermoregulation
Insects
larval feeding on plant tissues during growing season
larvae feed on decaying plant material and detritus associated with herb