Newleaze Coral Mallow
Sphaeralcea 'NewLeaze Coral'
Care
full sun
low
well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil
2–3ft tall , 2–3ft wide
May-Sep
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Horticultural cultivar of a species with native range in southwestern deserts; not a direct California native population.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Listed under ESA and CESA
California Species of Special Concern; monarch populations declining
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Migratory species; key nectar source during breeding season and spring arrival
Year-round resident; important during breeding season and before winter migration
Dense growth provides nesting and roosting cover in coastal scrub habitat
Insects
Primary pollen and nectar forager throughout blooming season
Important early season nectar source for hive nutrition and colony establishment
Critical fuel source during spring northward and fall southward migration
Larval host plant for multiple generations; adult nectar source
Primary nectar source during bloom period for colony provisioning
Uses flowers as hunting perch for visiting pollinators
Mammals
Browsing on stems and leaves year-round in semi-arid habitats
Cache building and overwinter food source from seed pods