How much sun does Yellow-stem bush-mallow need?

Yellow-stem bush-mallow grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Yellow-stem bush-mallow bloom?

Yellow-stem bush-mallow blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Yellow-stem bush-mallow native?

Yellow-stem bush-mallow (Malacothamnus densiflorus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Yellow-stem bush-mallow attract?

Yellow-stem bush-mallow draws bees.

Yellow-stem bush-mallow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Malacothamnus densiflorus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Yellow-stem bush-mallow (Malacothamnus densiflorus) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Yellow-stem bush-mallow (Malacothamnus densiflorus) 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

36"–96" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A rare, upright bush mallow with soft, felty gray-green leaves and clusters of pale pink to rose five-petaled flowers along the stems. Naturally restricted to a narrow range on dry chaparral slopes, resprouting readily after fire.

Growing Yellow-stem bush-mallow

Grow Yellow-stem bush-mallow in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Flowers provide summer nectar for native bees, including bush mallow specialist bees that depend on this genus.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow-stem bush-mallow need?: Yellow-stem bush-mallow grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Yellow-stem bush-mallow bloom?: Yellow-stem bush-mallow blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Yellow-stem bush-mallow native?: Yellow-stem bush-mallow (Malacothamnus densiflorus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Yellow-stem bush-mallow attract?: Yellow-stem bush-mallow draws bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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