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Copper Globe-mallow

Sphaeralcea angustifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sphaeralcea angustifolia is a drought-tolerant native wildflower found across the southwestern United States that produces orange cup-shaped blooms from May through August.

Copper Globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea angustifolia)
Photo: mypubliclands / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Copper Globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea angustifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Copper globe-mallow is a drought-tolerant perennial with silvery-green foliage and cup-shaped orange flowers that bloom from May through August. This compact native plant forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it excellent for xeriscaping.

Growing Copper Globe-mallow

Grow Copper Globe-mallow in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Copper Globe-mallow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Orange flowers may be considered too bold for conservative HOAs
  • Can appear sparse or weedy in winter dormancy
  • May spread beyond intended boundaries

Wildlife value

The bright orange flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. This plant is particularly valuable for specialist native bees that prefer mallow family flowers.

Common questions

Where does Copper Globe-mallow naturally grow?
Sphaeralcea angustifolia is native to nine western and southwestern states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.
When does Copper Globe-mallow bloom?
This wildflower typically blooms from May through August, producing orange cup-shaped flowers that attract native bees and butterflies.
What pollinators visit Copper Globe-mallow?
The flowers of Sphaeralcea angustifolia are primarily visited by native bees and butterflies, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in arid regions.
Is Copper Globe-mallow HOA-friendly?
Copper Globe-mallow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Copper Globe-mallow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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