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:

General Information

Sphaeralcea coulteri is an annual plant producing 4 - 6 erect to sprawling stems 15 - 150cm long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

Range

Southwestern N. America - California, Arizona, norhern Mexico

Habitat

Dry, sandy places at elevations from 50 - 800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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[].

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.