Description

This is one of several sphaeralcea species endemic to Baja California, Mexico. It grows in coastal succulent scrub plant communities of the San Quintin Bay on the Pacific side of the peninsula, about 200 miles south of the border. It is also said to grow on nearby islands. These are considered the southern limit of the California Floristic Province, i.e. those portions of the west coast that enjoy a Mediterranean climate. This part of Mexico only receives about six inches of rain every year, on average. The ‘La Luna’ selection was introduced by the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Despite its southern origins, this desert mallow does quite well in the SF Bay Area. It has a rather clean look for a mallow, growing as a rounded, dense shrub with silvery green leaves and stems. all covered with fine hairs. The hairs can be irritating to the skin and eyes of some people. In spring prominent wands of flowers appear. Although the common name suggests that the flowers are white, they are commonly tinged with pink. After a dramatic spring bloom, the plant may bloom lightly throughout the year. Remove the spent flower heads for a more tidy appearance.