Abronia fragrans

Abronia fragrans, sweet sand-verbena, is an herbaceous perennial with an upright or sprawling growth habit, reaching 8–40 inches (about 20–102 cm). which may or may not be winged. The flowers of this plant open in the evening and close again in the morning, a habit which gives the Nyctaginaceae family its common name of ''four o' clocks''. The blossoms are a pure white throughout most of its range, but in southern areas they sometimes have a slight blush of lavender-pink. The flowering recurs irregularly from June until late fall. ==Taxonomy==

There is dispute as to the classification of Abronia fragrans, with some recognizing Abronia elliptica as a separate species (Kartesz, Weber) and others believing that the two are the same plant (Welsh). The separation of the two species is based on variances of several characteristics including the shape of the fruit, the hairiness of various parts of the plants, and rhizomatous spreading. This species was collected by Thomas Nuttall in 1834 near the Platte River and was named by him in Hookers 1853 description. ==Distribution and habitat==

The native range of sweet sand-verbena extends from Northern Arizona to western Texas and Oklahoma north through the Rocky Mountain and western plains regions of the United States and south to Chihuahua, Mexico. Sweet sand-verbena occurs in prairies, plains, and savannas where it can be found growing in loose, dry, sandy soils. ==Cultivation==

Sweet sand-verbena is grown in gardens for its attractive blossoms and fragrance, and to attract butterflies. ==Uses==

The Indigenous peoples of the Southwest use the plant as a wash for sores and insect bites, to treat stomachache, and as an appetite booster. and taken internally when a spider was swallowed. The Kayenta Navajo use it as a cathartic, for insect bites, as a sudorific, as an emetic, for stomach cramps, and as a general panacea. The Ramah Navajo use it as a lotion for sores or sore mouth and to bathe perspiring feet. The Keres mix ground roots of the plant with corn flour, and eat to gain weight. They also use this mixture to keep from becoming greedy, whereas the Zuni use the fresh flowers alone for stomachaches. The Acoma and the Laguna mix the ground roots with cornmeal and eat the mixture as food. ==References==