Sticky Sandspurry: A Coastal Native Perfect for Challenging Garden Spots
If you’ve ever struggled to find plants that thrive in sandy, salty conditions, let me introduce you to a little-known coastal gem: sticky sandspurry (Spergularia macrotheca var. macrotheca). This unassuming native perennial might not win any beauty contests, but it’s absolutely perfect for those tricky garden spots where other plants fear to tread.
What Is Sticky Sandspurry?
Sticky sandspurry is a native North American forb – essentially a non-woody perennial that forms low, spreading mats. Don’t let the humble appearance fool you; this little powerhouse has adapted to some of the harshest growing conditions nature can dish out. As a native species found naturally in both Canada and the lower 48 states, it’s perfectly at home in North American gardens.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
You’ll find sticky sandspurry thriving along the Pacific coast, with natural populations in British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. It’s particularly fond of coastal areas where salt spray, sandy soils, and challenging conditions would send most garden plants running for cover.
Why Should You Consider Growing Sticky Sandspurry?
Here’s where this unassuming plant really shines. If you’re dealing with any of these challenging garden conditions, sticky sandspurry might just be your new best friend:
- Sandy, well-draining soils that dry out quickly
- Areas with salt exposure (coastal properties, roadside gardens treated with winter salt)
- Spots that need erosion control
- Low-maintenance ground cover areas
- Rock gardens or naturalized landscapes
The delicate pink to white flowers may be small, but they add a subtle charm to the landscape while providing nectar for small native pollinators like bees and flies. It’s the kind of plant that works quietly behind the scenes, doing important ecological work without demanding attention.
Growing Conditions and Care
Sticky sandspurry is refreshingly low-maintenance once you understand its preferences. Think coastal conditions and you’ll be on the right track:
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil is essential. It actually prefers poor, sandy conditions over rich garden soil
- Sun exposure: Full sun is best, though it can tolerate some light shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soils
- Salt tolerance: Excellent – one of its superpowers!
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Thrives in zones 7-10
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting sticky sandspurry established is surprisingly straightforward if you remember it’s adapted to tough conditions:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Improve drainage in heavy soils by adding coarse sand or gravel
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots
- Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant and needs minimal care
- Avoid fertilizing – this plant actually prefers lean conditions
Is Sticky Sandspurry Right for Your Garden?
Sticky sandspurry isn’t for every garden, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s a specialist plant for specific situations. Consider it if you have coastal property, sandy soils, areas with salt exposure, or spots where you need tough, low-maintenance ground cover. It’s particularly valuable for native plant enthusiasts looking to support local ecosystems with indigenous species.
However, if you’re looking for showy flowers or lush foliage, you might want to look elsewhere. This plant’s beauty lies in its resilience and ecological function rather than dramatic visual impact.
For gardeners in the Pacific Northwest and coastal California dealing with challenging growing conditions, sticky sandspurry offers a native solution that works with nature rather than against it. Sometimes the best plants are the ones that simply thrive where they’re planted – and sticky sandspurry does exactly that.
