Malvaviscus arboreus vardrummondii
Also called Manzanilla, Little Apple, Texas Mallow, Mexican Apple, Red Mallow, May Apple, Scotchman’s Purse, Bleeding Heart and Drummond’s Wax Mallow.
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Near native
Origin: Found along streams, on the edges of woods and on limestone slopes from Texas to Florida
Family: Malvaceae
Size: 4′ tall
Sun: Best for shadier areas, afternoon shade in summer, or dappled shade
Watering: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Prefers organic supplement to desert soils
Temperature: Hardy to 20 F
Pruning:
Disease and Pests: Root rot in poorly drained soils
Uses: Birds love the fruit, nectar plant for Hummingbirds and butterflies. Larval host to the Turk’s Cap White Skipper, Mallow Scrub Hairstreak and Glassy-winged Skipper
Notes: Fruit is edible raw or cooked. If kept from cold will bloom throughout the year
Photo by sodnnps
Resources
More on PollinatorWeb: every plant page A–Z · recommended plants for the low desert · which butterflies and moths each plant hosts
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