Island Mallow
ExplorePlants
Island Mallow
malva assurgentiflora
The Island Mallow is an exceptionally beautiful, fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native strictly to the Channel Islands of southern California. It stands out in its native coastal scrub community with its large, maple-like leaves and showy, hibiscus-like blossoms. Historically, these plants faced severe pressure from invasive herbivores, but they have made a remarkable comeback thanks to concerted conservation and island restoration efforts. To easily track and identify Island Mallow on your next adventure, download the Snappit app.
Habitat: Found on coastal bluffs, wind-swept cliffs, and sandy canyon slopes of the California Channel Islands.
Appearance
Growing up to 4 meters tall, this upright shrub features palmately lobed, bright green leaves that feel slightly fuzzy to the touch. The most striking visual features are its five-petaled flowers, which measure 5 to 7 centimeters across and display a vibrant rose-pink to deep magenta color with prominent dark purple veins radiating from a central stamen column.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyMalvaceaeGenusMalva
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its highly restricted native island range, it has been successfully cultivated in Mediterranean climates worldwide.
Early California mainland ranchers planted this hardy species as an effective, salt-tolerant windbreak for coastal agricultural fields.
The dark purple stripes on the petals act as nectar guides, directing pollinating insects straight to the center of the flower.
Special abilities
Ability
Salt Spray Resilience
Highly adapted to harsh maritime winds, it can survive direct and heavy exposure to ocean salt spray that would desiccate other plants.
Ability
Rapid Coastal Growth
It can grow several meters in a single year from seed, allowing it to rapidly colonize open spaces and stabilize vulnerable coastal soils.
Ability
Year-Round Flowering
With access to moderate coastal moisture, it can produce blossoms during almost every month of the year to attract pollinators.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 150-400 cm
- Lifespan
- 10-25 years
- Incubation
- 14-30 days
Diet & Feeding
This plant utilizes photosynthesis to generate energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil nutrients
Ecological connections
mutualism
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Allen's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin
Feeds on nectar and acts as one of the primary avian pollinators for the species.
eaten by
Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui
The leaves and stems of this mallow serve as host tissue for the caterpillars of this widespread butterfly.
mutualism
Island Fox
Urocyon littoralis
Utilizes the dense canopy of the mature shrub for hunting cover and shelter from predators.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Island Mallow?
The easiest way to identify Island Mallow is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Island Mallow?
150-400 cm
How long does Island Mallow live?
10-25 years
What does Island Mallow eat?
This plant utilizes photosynthesis to generate energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Where is Island Mallow usually found?
Found on coastal bluffs, wind-swept cliffs, and sandy canyon slopes of the California Channel Islands.
How long do Island Mallow eggs take to hatch?
14-30 days
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