Sandspurry (2)

Red Sandspurry
Spergularia rubra

Family: Pink (Caryophyllaceae)
AKA: Red Sand Spurrey, Sand Spurrey
Photo taken on: July 11, 2005
Location: Crested Butte, CO
Life Zones: Montane to subalpine
Habitat: Disturbed soil

A delicate plant that grows sprawling and close to the ground with tiny pink flowers. Leaves are fleshy and hairy. The sepals (between the petals) have white edges.

Flora of North America reference.

Salt Sandspurry
Spergularia salina (S. marina)

Family: Pink (Caryophyllaceae)
AKA: Salt-marsh Sandspurrey, Lesser Sea-spurrey
Photo taken on: July 13, 2018
Location: FS Road 743, Almont, CO
Life Zones: Plains to foothills
Habitat: Mud flats, alkaline and saline soil, road edges

Grows sprawling and close to the ground with many branches and fleshy, narrow leaves. Tiny flowers are ¼" across and white or pink.

Not native to this part of Colorado; it was probably introduced by cattle bought into the area for grazing. It was growing in a dried up watering hole.

Identified from Field Guide to Colorado's Wetland Plants.

Flora of North America reference.