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(Malacothamnus fremontii)
Frémont’s Bushmallow (Malacothamnus fremontii)
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Isaac Krone
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Isaac Krone
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Isaac Krone | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Isaac Krone | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-29T19:06:04-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Malacothamnus fremontii, commonly known as Frémont’s Bushmallow, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and the edges of pine forests in California. It typically grows to a height of 0.5–2 meters (1.6–6.6 ft) and is characterized by its stiff, erect, and branching stem. The plant is covered in dense white fibers, giving it a felt-like appearance. Its leaves are hairy, oval, or rounded with lobes and are several centimeters long. The inflorescence is an elongated cluster of many pale purple flowers with hairy petals, each up to a centimeter long, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Frémont’s Bushmallow is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for habitat restoration projects. This plant prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It requires low amounts of water once established, reflecting its adaptation to dry, Mediterranean-type climates. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Frémont’s Bushmallow is not commonly available in the nursery trade but can be propagated from seed or cuttings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Frémont’s Bushmallow is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for habitat restoration projects. This plant prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It requires low amounts of water once established, reflecting its adaptation to dry, Mediterranean-type climates. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Frémont’s Bushmallow is not commonly available in the nursery trade but can be propagated from seed or cuttings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-9 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and the edges of pine forests in California
Other Names
Common Names: Fremon’s Bushmallow
Scientific Names: , Malacothamnus fremontii, Malacothamnus helleri, Malvastrum helleri, Malvastrum fremontii, Malvastrum howellii, Malacothamnus howellii, Sphaeralcea fremontii, Malvastrum howellii var. cordatum, Malacothamnus fremontii subsp. cercophorus
GBIF Accepted Name: Malacothamnus fremontii (Torr. ex Gray) Greene