Flower · GBIF taxon 3152446
Fendler's Globemallow
Sphaeralcea fendleriAlso known as Fendler Globemallow, Fendler's Copper Mallow
Fendler's globemallow thrives across dry canyons, pinon-juniper woodlands, and desert scrub of southwestern North America. Its wand-like stems bear delicate orange-to-pink cup-shaped flowers coated in dense star-shaped hairs that help conserve moisture. These vivid blossoms provide a vital pollen source for specialist native bees during dry season months.
Desert NativeFloweringDrought Tolerant
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Minerals
Predators
- Mule Deer
- Desert Cottontail
- Checkerspot Butterfly Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat conversion, overgrazing, invasive weed competition
HabitatsDry canyons, rocky slopes, pinon-juniper woodlands, desert scrub
Life spanPerennial (5–15 years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderMalvales
- FamilyMalvaceae
- GenusSphaeralcea
- SpeciesSphaeralcea fendleri
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Microscopic leaf hairs can irritate eyes; wash hands after touching the plant.
- Why it is dangerous
- Leaves and stems bear sharp, star-shaped hairs that break off easily and cause mechanical eye irritation and conjunctivitis.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognize the erect grayish stems, lobed leaves, and clustered orange flowers in dry Southwestern habitats.
- What to do
- Observe without heavy handling, and avoid touching face or eyes until hands are thoroughly washed.
Responsible observation
- Flower Watching: Look inside the orange cups to spot tiny specialist bees dusting themselves with pollen.
- Handling Caution: Avoid rubbing eyes after touching foliage because microscopic hairs cause stinging.
Pollinator (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley · cc-by
Close Relative (c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by W. Terry Hunefeld · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
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