Caryophyllaceae

Spergularia rubra

Red Sand Spurry

Mound. Stem with many branches. Leaves dark green, not very fleshy, linear in pairs on stems with 2–4 in axillary clusters held by conspicuous, shiny, silvery scales. Flowers at stem tips consist of 5 partially fused sepals, 5 pink petals, 6–10 stamens. Grows in meadows, open forests, disturbed sites and gardens, below 7500 ft. Similar S. canadensis, with fleshy leaves, does not have axillary leaf clusters and is entirely coastal.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Year Long
• Life Cycle: Annual, Perennial
• Height: 4--12 inches
• Habitat: Meadow, West-Side Forest, Disturbed
• Found In: Steens, Wallowas, Mt. Rainier Np, Olympic Np, N Cascades Np
• Native: No