Sphaeralcea incana facts for kids

The Sphaeralcea incana, also known as the gray globemallow or soft globemallow, is a special desert plant. It belongs to the mallow family, which includes many beautiful flowering plants.

Where It Grows

This plant is native to the hot, dry lands of the Chihuahuan Desert and Sonoran Desert. You can find it in the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the U.S. In Mexico, it's found in Chihuahua and Sonora.

What It Looks Like

The gray globemallow is a type of plant called a perennial subshrub. This means it's a small, woody plant that lives for many years. It has a large taproot, which is a main root that grows deep into the ground. This helps it find water in the desert.

It has several stems that grow straight up from a strong, woody base. These stems can reach about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) tall. Its leaves are gray and covered with many short, soft hairs.

Its Flowers

The flowers of the gray globemallow are usually a bright orange color. They bloom from June all the way through October. Sometimes, you can also find plants with pink or white flowers. After a lot of rain in the winter, these plants can grow so much that they form "carpets of flowers" across the desert!

Different Types

Just like there are different breeds of dogs, there are different types of this plant called subspecies. They are:

• Sphaeralcea incana ssp. cuneata — This type is also called soft globemallow. It grows only in New Mexico and Arizona.
• Sphaeralcea incana ssp. incana — This is the main type, known as gray globemallow.

How It's Used

The bright flowers of the gray globemallow are very important for desert wildlife. They provide food for native bees and butterflies.

Traditional Uses

For a long time, the gray globemallow has been used as a medicinal plant. Native American peoples, like the Hopi, traditionally used it. For example, the Hopi used this plant to help treat diarrhea.

People can make an herbal tea from the leaves and flowers. This tea is used to help with coughs, sore throats, and flu symptoms. The roots and leaves are also known for being soothing and softening. A paste made from fresh, crushed leaves can be put on skin injuries or irritations to help them heal.

Growing It in Gardens

Many plant nurseries grow Sphaeralcea incana because it's a beautiful ornamental plant. It's a great choice for native plant gardens and water-saving gardens. It also helps create wildlife gardens, attracting bees and butterflies. This plant is perfect for natural landscaping projects because it thrives in dry conditions.