Desert Sand Verbena

Desert sand verbena

is found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of southeastern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona and northwest Mexico. Those above were found in the Salt Spring Hills near Death Valley. Those below were found in Sonora, Mexico near El Pinacate Gran Desierto, along the side of the road.

It is found on sandy flats, dunes and desert roadsides below 1,500 feet.

The flowers are pink or purple,

trumpet-shaped, 5 lobed

and bloom from February through May.

The plant has short, soft, sticky hair covering both the leaves and the stems. The flowers grow in conspicuous clusters

on one to three inch stalks growing from leaf axils. 

The leaves are oval with wavy edges. They can carpet the desert for miles after abundant winter rains. Those below were found in El Pinacate Gran Desierto.

A closer view.

An even closer view.