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Native Plant Society of Texas

Scarlet Globemallow

Sphaeralcea coccinea

Other common name(s):

Caliche Globemallow, Copper mallow, Red falsemallow, Orange globemallow

Family:

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Arid Llano Estacado, Canadian/Cimarron High Plains, Llano Estacado, Rolling Sand Plains, Shinnery Sands
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys, Semiarid Canadian Breaks

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

1
to
1.5
ft.

Spread

2
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Clay, Dry, Gravelly, Limestone, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Desert, Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Orange, Red

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Forage, Fruit, Larval Host, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Browsers, Butterflies, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Low maintenance , it thrives in dry, well-drained conditions. Young plants may need occasional watering until established, but mature plants are drought-tolerant and can be watered less frequently, perhaps once a month in summer. The leaves become thinner, less deeply lobed, and bright green when plants are grown in shade. Native habitat: desert plains and mesas, and dry, loess bluffs.

Description

Blooms April-September. Upright or sometimes sprawling, densely white-hairy. The plant has several stems and is sometimes found growing in clumps or even extensive colonies. Leaves are grayish-green and divided into 3-5 lobes. Red-orange or brick-red flowers bloom in narrow clusters in upper axils. The dry fruit splits into single-seeded parts when ripe (Schizocarp). Larval host: Small Checkered-Skipper.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Malvastrum coccineum, Malva coccinea, Sida coccinea

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Scarification is beneficial, especially when seeds have been dried and stored. Also, To soften the hard coating on these Scarlet Globemallow seeds, rub them lightly with sandpaper or soak them in 180 degrees F water overnight. Mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Sow the seed in early spring, planting just below the surface of the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. After the flowers fade, small green cups will form that contain the ripening seeds. Shake the seeds from their pods as soon as they turn their mature dark color. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place. 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPCO 2) https://www.everwilde.com/store/Sphaeralcea-coccinea-WildFlower-Seed.html#:~:text=Growing:%20Water%20the%20Sphaeralcea%20coccinea,tolerating%20sandy%20soil%20or%20clay.
Rhizome Cutting Ensure the cuttings are kept in a warm, bright location until they establish roots. Take rhizome cuttings in spring. 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPCO 2) https://earthone.io/plant/sphaeralcea%20coccinea

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason