Abutilon palmeri, commonly known as Palmer’s Indian Mallow, is an evergreen shrub or subshrub native to arid regions, specifically the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts in the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 3–8 feet (0.91–2.44 m) and spreads 2–5 feet (0.61–1.52 m) wide. The plant has a rounded form with green to reddish-brown, pubescent branches and stems. Its cup-shaped, yellow to orange flowers with five petals are quite showy and bloom prolifically for most of the year, attracting pollinators. The fruit is a small, multi-parted capsule covered with silky pubescence, echoing the texture of the foliage.

Palmer’s Indian Mallow is valued for its drought tolerance and long flowering season, making it a favorite for xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and natural landscaping in warm climates. It is also used for erosion control due to its dense growth habit. This plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for urban gardens and borders.CC BY-SA 4.0