Alkali Mallow
Malvella leprosa
Anthony Valois and the National Park Service
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Malvella
- Species:
- Malvella leprosa
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Tischeria omissa, Zenodoxus canescens, Columella Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon columella), Laviana white-skipper (Heliopetes lavianus), Pyrgus albescens, Small Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus scriptura), West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions.