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Sticky sand spurry

Spergularia macrotheca

Last reviewed: October 2026

Sticky sand spurry (Spergularia macrotheca) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw small bees.

Sticky sand spurry (Spergularia macrotheca)
Photo: (c) John Hibbard, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Sticky sand spurry (Spergularia macrotheca) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

small bees

Before you buy

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Sticky sand spurry.

A low, fleshy-leaved perennial called sticky sand-spurry, tolerant of salty and alkaline soils, with small pink five-petaled flowers held close to the sprawling foliage mat over a long spring to summer bloom.

Growing Sticky sand spurry

Grow Sticky sand spurry in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its long bloom period provides nectar for small native bees in coastal salt marsh and alkaline flat habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Sticky sand spurry need?
Sticky sand spurry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sticky sand spurry bloom?
Sticky sand spurry blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Sticky sand spurry native?
Sticky sand spurry (Spergularia macrotheca) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Sticky sand spurry attract?
Sticky sand spurry draws small bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Sticky sand spurry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.