Fauna
Flower

Fendler's Globemallow

Sphaeralcea fendleri

Also 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
Fendler's Globemallow reference1 / 7
(c) Daniel Carpenter, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Daniel Carpenter · cc-by-sa
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, 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)
Classification
  1. OrderMalvales
  2. FamilyMalvaceae
  3. GenusSphaeralcea
  4. SpeciesSphaeralcea fendleri
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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