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.