Alkali Mallow
Malvella leprosa
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, United States, Uruguay
Anthony Valois and the National Park Service
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Malvella
- Species:
- Malvella leprosa
- USDA Symbol:
- MALE3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pale yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
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)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Common Checkered-skipper (Burnsius communis), Small Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus scriptura)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
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.