How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
 
Common Name: Desert Globemallow
Scientific Name: Sphaeralcea ambigua
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Wildlife habitat improvement
~Revegetation in southwest deserts
~Wildflower plantings
Height: 2 - 4 feet
Colors: Orange-red flowers with dusty green/grey foliage
Flowering Season: Late spring
Soil Types: Well drained soil
Tolerances: Drought
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Minimum Precipitation: 6-12 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 3 - 5 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 500,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall
Planting Depth: 1/8 - 1/4 inch deep
Stratification Requirements: Cold stratification if not planting in fall
Category: Forb
 
Description:
Desert Globemallow, also known as Apricot Mallow, blooms in late spring, displaying vibrant red-orange flowers. Its distinguishing feature is its deep taproot, which enables it to access water and nutrients from deep within the soil, making it well-suited for growth in arid, sandy, or rocky soils. This unique characteristic makes Desert Globemallow a valuable plant for soil stabilization, particularly in areas disrupted by human activities like mining, road construction, or wildfires.
 
This plant is specifically adapted to the arid regions of the Southwest deserts, serving as a crucial species for the restoration of degraded landscapes in these areas. Additionally, it provides a suitable habitat for some wildlife species and is highly drought-tolerant. Given its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its capacity to promote soil stabilization and ecological succession, Desert Globemallow plays a significant role in efforts to restore and rehabilitate ecosystems in the arid regions of the Southwest.
 
Resources
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SPAM2
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_spam2.pdf
 
Photo Credit: Anny Reeves and Joe Decruyenaere