Southern Coastal Bushmallow
Malacothamnus fasciculatus · Malvaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Height
- 4–10 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Very Low
- Blooms
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
- Habitat
- Chaparral · Coastal Sage Scrub
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, dry slopes, burns
- Form / size: Upright shrub, 4–10 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water (established): Very low
- Blooms: Spring–summer · Pollinator value: High
Description
A tall, open native mallow with gray-green leaves and soft pink to lavender flowers held along upright stems. It often appears after fire or disturbance and can make a striking dry-slope shrub.
Wildlife & pollinators
Flowers attract native bees and butterflies. Seeds and structure support birds and small wildlife.
Habitat & range
Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, dry slopes, burns, and canyon edges in Southern California and Baja California.
In the garden
Good for large dry habitat gardens and restoration slopes. It can be rangy, so plant it with enough space and other robust shrubs.
Propagation
From seed, often improved by scarification or hot-water treatment. Cuttings may also work.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Dry slopes, burns, and chaparral/scrub edges.
Problems
Can look open or rangy. Best in naturalistic plantings.
Sources
Commonly confused with
Apricot Globemallow 🌿 Sphaeralcea ambigua smaller desert perennial with orange-apricot flowers. 🌿 Tree mallow / lavatera common garden escapes with larger, softer leaves and a more cultivated look.
