Malva assurgentiflora subsp. glabra

Southern island mallow

Family: Malvaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1

Southern island mallow is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found on coastal bluffs and off-shore rocky islets at elevations below 155 meters. Flowering throughout the year, this plant produces flowers with irregularly notched petal tips, creating a delicate and distinctive bloom. Growing as a compact shrub with sturdy branches, it develops a robust form well-adapted to coastal environments. Its leaves are uniformly green, with smooth surfaces on both upper and lower sides, providing a clean and consistent appearance. The plant's ability to thrive on rocky coastal margins makes it a distinctive and resilient species of the California shoreline.

Habitat: Coastal bluffs; off-shore rocky islets

Bloom period: All year

Elevation: < 155 m

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.