Scientific Name | Sphaeralcea parvifolia | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SPPA2 |
Common Name | Small-leaf Globemallow | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 21953 |
Family | Malvaceae (Mallow) | SEINet Reference |
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Description | Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (4500 to 6500 ft.); dry, rocky soils in dry washes, on roadsides, open slopes, mesas and in semi-desert areas. Plant: Perennial with several erect to ascending stems, 8 to 40 inches tall; stems and leaves with gray or whitish stellate (star-shaped) hairs. Leaves: Alternate, broadly ovate to orbicular, 0.6 to 2.2 inches long on petioles 0.4 to 1.2 inches long; edges are unlobed or shallowly 3- to 5-lobed and usually wrinkled or toothed. Inflorescence: Cup-shaped flowers borne in racemes or panicles, each about 1-inch across with 5 reddish-orange petals; yellow filaments and white anthers in the center; 5 ovate to lanceolate sepals less than half as long as the petals, with pointed tips. Bloom Period: May to September. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map![]() Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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