Apricot Mallow
by Joe Schofield
Title
Apricot Mallow
Artist
Joe Schofield
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Sphaeralcea ambigua, also known as Apricot Mallow or Desert Mallow, is a drought-tolerant perennial shrub native to desert regions of North America, including California. It features delicate, crinkled, gray-green leaves and produces showy, cup-shaped flowers in shades of orange, pink, or red. In full bloom, each flower is roughly the circumference of a quarter.
Years ago while driving north on the narrow 2-lane blacktop toward Scotty's Castle in Death Valley, I came to a rise in the road and at the crest off to my left I was stunned by this specimen for the first time. I damn near crashed. Pulling off onto the shoulder my first opportunity, I walked back to photograph this vivid desert plant. Close to 5' tall with dozens of arms reaching for the sun, it was remarkable along the side of a barren desert road.
I've grown them in my yard ever since.
ambigua 2.jpg
Uploaded
May 12th, 2025
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Comments (29)
Rahdne Zola 19 Days Ago
Gorgeous detail and color, Joe! Love how the flowers pop out of the background!
Kay Brewer 25 Days Ago
Beautifully composed complete with bokeh, Joe! It's amazing to me that a flower so delicate looking can be desert-hardy! l/f
Joan Bertucci 28 Days Ago
Wonderful diagonal presentation Joe! Such beautiful delicacies growing in the desert!
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