Malacothamnus involucratus
Carmel valley bushmallow, Carmel Valley Bush-Mallow
Family: Malvaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Malacothamnus involucratus (Carmel valley bushmallow) is a native California shrub in the Malvaceae family.
Carmel valley bushmallow is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in the Central Coast and southern Coast Ranges in early-recovering post-burn woody vegetation and edges of openings at elevations of 20 to 680 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces pink to white flowers with delicate stellate-hairy bracts surrounding the blossoms. Growing up to 2 meters tall with a spreading habit via rhizomes, it develops distinctive bright green leaves that are rounded to widely ovate, sometimes subtly 3 to 5-lobed with cordate bases. Its leaves are covered in dense stellate hairs, with the undersides having 2 to 50 times more hair density than the upper surface, creating a soft, textured appearance. In mature stands, this bushmallow occasionally persists in more established vegetation, offering a glimpse of post-fire ecological recovery.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: #N/A
Habitat and range
Habitat: Early-recovering post-burn woody vegetation, edges of openings, some plants occasionally persisting into more mature vegetation stages
Elevation: 20--680 m
California counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Malacothamnus involucratus blooms (Feb)Apr--May(Jul).
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
#N/A
Frequently asked questions
Is Malacothamnus involucratus native to California?
Yes. Malacothamnus involucratus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothamnus involucratus bloom?
Malacothamnus involucratus blooms (Feb)Apr--May(Jul).
Where in California does Malacothamnus involucratus grow?
Malacothamnus involucratus occurs in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, at elevations of 20--680 m.
What plant family does Malacothamnus involucratus belong to?
Malacothamnus involucratus is in the Malvaceae family, genus Malacothamnus.
Is Malacothamnus involucratus rare or endangered?
Malacothamnus involucratus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Malacothamnus jonesii — Jones's bush mallow
- Malacothamnus jonesii var. gracilis — Huasna bushmallow
- Malacothamnus jonesii var. jonesii — Jones's bushmallow
- Malacothamnus jonesii var. niveus — Fragrant-snow bushmallow
- Malacothamnus lucianus — Santa lucia bushmallow
- Malacothamnus marrubioides — Santa clarita bushmallow
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.