Sphaeralcea angustifolia aka Copper Globe Mallow

Sphaeralcea angustifolia belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its common names include narrowleaf globemallow and copper globemallow. Its native range stretches from California to Nebraska and Mexico. It grows in dry regions, including desert scrub. Wild plants occur in arroyos and along disturbed roadsides. Recorded sites lie at elevations of about 2,950–7,875 feet [900–2,400 metres]. It has also been introduced into Maryland.

This upright perennial develops woody stems, most clearly near the base. Kew classes its growth form as a shrub. The garden size listed by Plants For A Future is 4.3 feet [1.3 metres] tall. Its listed spread is about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. A broader account gives heights of 2–6.6 feet [0.6–2 metres], with some plants shorter. Narrow leaves and orange flowers help mark the species. Bees pollinate the flowers. Sources describe garden use as an ornamental, as well as wild harvesting.

Choose a sunny site, since this plant does not grow in shade. It accepts sand, loam, or clay when water drains well. Its stated soil range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It can grow in dry or moist soil. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. Seed, softwood cuttings, and division offer ways to raise new plants. The hard seed coat can slow water uptake. Autumn sowing or scarification can help seeds take up moisture. Early summer is the stated time for softwood cuttings.

Historical food use centres on seeds and the sticky material within stems. Reports describe Hopi people chewing stems as a gum. This does not make raw stems a safe snack. Hairs on the plant can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. Such hairs limit its value as food. Plants For A Future gives its food value two out of five. The evidence supports caution rather than broad claims of safe eating.

Recorded folk uses include remedies for coughs, colds, and influenza. Other records describe leaf preparations for diarrhoea and root preparations for sores. These are accounts of past use, not proof of benefit. The plant also supplies mucilage for hair rinses. Root materials have served as face paint and glue. It can thrive on disturbed desert ground. Plants For A Future does not class it as invasive.