Sphaeralcea ambigua (Desert Mallow)

Photographs

My photos:

This plant was photographed in Joshua Tree in March.

More photos:

Beautiful closeup of the flower.

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Malvaceae

In the garden:

A perennial herb with a woody crown and woody lower stems. The stems are erect or ascending, to 3 feet tall. Leaves are thick, white, and very scalloped. It flowers mostly from March to June, but at other times as well. The blooms are orange-red and at the height of this bloom, this plant is stunning. It is drought tolerant and requires a sandy soil in a location with plenty of sun and heat. During the first summer after planting, periodic watering is essential. It will look good in the middle of a mixed border and it’s unusual flower color will contrast well with bright yellow and blue-purple flowers. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to thrive in a coastal garden and is short-lived in cultivation. Be sure to plant in a location with plenty of room. Propagate by seeds.

In the wild:

Spires of abundant, large, peach-colored flowers make this an attractive spring wildflower especially along roadways where runoff affords a bit more moisture. Flower color can vary to shades of red and grenadine. Dry rocky slopes and canyons, mostly below 4000 feet.

Ethnobotany:

Shoshone people use this plant medicinally, but I've found no mention of its use by Southern California native people.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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