Pink Sand Verbena

(Abronia umbellata)
 
Pink Sand Verbena
Pink Sand Verbena on the beach at Crissy Field.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Origin Of Genus Name: Abronia is Greek for "graceful."

Presidio Locations: Found in foredune areas along Crissy Field.

Range In State: California coast.

Description: The native annual species has fragrant rose-purple flowers with reddish stems. Leaves are fleshy and oval shaped. Pink Sand Verbena blossoms were first collected by European naturalists in 1786 in Monterey and was the first California native plant to be described scientifically. Blooms from April to August.

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Did You Know?

U.S. Army major rank insignia

In 1915, a tragic fire at the Presidio  claimed the lives of General Pershing’s wife and his three daughters.  Pershing's son, Francis Warren, survived the blaze and chose to enlist in the army as a private during World War II.  By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of major.