Sphaeralcea species are somewhat difficult to identify. The species boundaries are not always sharp because there is frequent hybridization, polyploidy, and morphological variation in response to environmental conditions, particularly rainfall. Plants growing in Arizona are particularly difficult to identify[].

Common Name: Apricot Mallow

General Information

Sphaeralcea ambigua is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of stems from a woody rootstock; it can grow 50 - 100cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

Known Hazards

The hairs on the leaves can cause irritation to some people[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Southwestern N. America - California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona

Habitat

Dry washes and rocky areas; at elevations from 100 - 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Sphaeralcea species from western N. America are generally species of warm, dry and very freely draining habitats. They are often tolerant of very low winter temperatures but, like many species with downy leaves, they are not very tolerant of winter wet and will often fail to overwinter in mild but wet winter areas[].
Species in this genus generally require a warm, sunny position in a moderately fertile, freely-draining soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the root is used to treat an upset stomach[]. An infusion of the root is taken as a means of birth control[].
A poultice of the mashed root is used to treat swollen feet[].

A decoction of the root, or the whole plant, is used as an emetic and in the treatment of venereal diseases[].

A poultice of the wilted plant is applied to rheumatic and swollen areas[].

A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of colds[].
A decoction of the leaves is used as an eye wash[].

Sphaeralcea species are good sources of mucilage in the form of mucopolysaccharide starches. This has been shown to stimulate macrophage activity and help promote healing and resistance, especially in the skin, upper intestinal tract, urinary tract and lungs[].
The whole plant is demulcent and emollient[]. Taken internally, it can be used to soothe sore throats and irritations along the digestive tract, urinary tract etc. Applied externally, it can be used to soothe and promote healing of cuts, burns, wounds etc[].

Other Uses

The plant is a rich source of mucilage. An infusion is often used as a hair rinse after shampooing, when it is said to give the hair body. A strong infusion will curl the hair if it is not rinsed out[].

The whole plant is boiled, then added to red clay (liquid only?) and used to make cups[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seed coat and benefits from either autumn sowing or scarification of stored seed[]. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Softwood cuttings in a frame in early summer[].
Division[].