Moss-rose (Sphaeralcea coccinea, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 40:58. 1913)

Family: Malvaceae

Author: Rydb.

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 40:58. 1913

Year: 1913

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sphaeralcea

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Canada to W. & C. U.S.A. and NE. Mexico

Description

Moss-rose, known scientifically as Sphaeralcea coccinea, belongs to the Malvaceae family. This perennial flowering plant is notable for its vibrant and delicate beauty, making it a cherished sight in the wild and cultivated gardens alike.

First described in 1913 in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club by the botanist Rydb., Sphaeralcea coccinea has since been a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists. The plant thrives across various regions, with a native range extending through Western and Central Canada, the Western and Central United States, and into Northeastern Mexico.

Moss-rose is renowned for its resilience and adaptability to different climates and soil conditions. It typically features deeply lobed leaves covered in fine hairs, giving them a slightly silvery appearance. The flowers, a highlight of the plant, are usually a striking scarlet or reddish-orange hue, arranged singly or in small clusters, providing a bold splash of color against the often sparse landscapes it inhabits.

The plant’s ability to flourish in challenging environments is a testament to its hardiness. Moss-rose is commonly found in dry, open areas such as prairies, meadows, and desert margins, where it contributes to the stabilization of soil and preservation of local ecosystems. Its flowers bloom from late spring through early fall, offering an extended period of beauty and attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Moss-rose holds cultural significance and is sometimes used in traditional medicine. The plant’s fibrous nature also makes it useful in certain practical applications, adding to its versatility.

Whether appreciated for its striking floral display, ecological contributions, or adaptability, Moss-rose remains a vital and cherished part of the flora in the regions it inhabits. As research continues, this resilient plant will likely reveal even more about its role in the natural world and the intricate balance of ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: copper mallow, globe-mallow, moss-rose, orange globemallow, prairie-mallow, red false mallow, red falsemallow, scarlet globe-mallow, scarlet globemallow, orange globe-mallow, prairie mallow, scarlet mallow
Fra: sphéralcée écarlate
En: Moss-rose, Prairie-mallow, Red false mallow, Scarlet globe-mallow, Globe-mallow, GLOBEMALLOW, Scarlet globemallow, Copper mallow, Orange globemallow, Red falsemallow, Orange globe-mallow, Prairie mallow, Scarlet mallow
Fr: Sphéralcée écarlate

Synonyms

• Malveopsis coccinea ((Nutt.) Kuntze)
• Sida coccinea ((Nutt.) DC.)
• Nototriche coccinea ((Nutt.) Nieuwl. & Lunell)
• Malvastrum coccineum ((Nutt.) A.Gray)
• Malva coccinea (Nutt.)
• Cristaria coccinea ((Nutt.) Pursh)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Karen Mack (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by zmicier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Justin Rempe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Xtina REITER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Lance Lance (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 9, 2020 by Jaime therealmusicjunkie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Shannon McKee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by Elise Robbins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by Elise Robbins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Brittany Dobson (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 2, 2014 by EOL − Jennifer Jackson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 2, 2014 by EOL − Jennifer Jackson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 27, 2015 by EOL − jcordova4 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 9, 2015 by EOL − Rachael Brown (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Sage and Rosewood (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152438)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:241641-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.4

Ph minimum: 6.5