The large number of flowers produced over a year provides a steady source of pollen and nectar to honey bees and other insects.

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Apricot Globe-mallow, Sphaeralcea ambigua
  • Synonyms: Sphaeralcea ambigua
  • Family: Malvaceae (Mallows)
  • Genus Information: 5 species in NV, 8 in CA, 8 to 9 named varieties

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: upright
  • Size: 3 ft (1 m)
  • Stem: hairy

Leaves

  • Color: fuzzy whitish green with white hairs
  • Shape: palmate
  • Edge: lobed
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: evergreen

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: orange
  • Flower Size: 1 inch
  • Number of Petals: 6
  • Bloom: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
  • Fruit: Schizocarp

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: alkaline soils, both sandy and clay
  • Habitat: washes and slopes, companion plants of creosote bush scrub and desert chaparral habitats

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NV, UT
  • Seen: Las Vegas Wash
  • Elevation: 490–8,200 ft (150–2,500 m)

Photographs

Apricot Globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

UT

Apricot Globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

UT