What is Globe Mallow

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Globe Mallow or Desert Mallow or Desert Hollyhock – Sphaeralcea ambigua

COMMUNITY

Creosote Bush Scrub, Arroyo Woodland

BLOOMS

Flowers vary from grenadine to peach-red.

Blooms all year if conditions are right, but most are seen March-June.

HABITAT

Disturbed soils and washes

SOURCE OF WATER

Surface

ELEVATION

Below 4000 ft (1333 m)

TYPE OF SOIL

Tolerates salty soils

HEIGHT

6 inches to 4 ft

(15 cm to 120 cm)

POLLINATION

Insects, wind

ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL

Perennial herb, woody stem and hollyhock-like rounded, wrinkled leaves covered with fine, silvery hairs.

Flowers produced when moisture allows.

COMMENTS

Sometimes called “sore-eyed poppy” because silvery hairs irritate eyes.

With flowers varying in color from rose to pink and lavender, mallow is stunning sight in full bloom in late spring.