Spergularia rubra
Caryophyllaceae
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: Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer, Autumn
- Flower Form: 5 Petals-Many Stamens
- Life Cycle: Annual, Perennial
- Height: 4–12 inches
- Habitat: Disturbed, Meadow, West-side Forest
- Found In: Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Steens, Wallowas
- Native: No
- Also Known As: Ruby Sand Spurry
