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What is Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

What is Globe Mallow

What is Globe Mallow

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.

What is Globe Mallow