Three to 5-lobed leaves covered with grayish hairs, especially the underside. Bommer Canyon Wilderness Park, Irvine, CA. 4-23-11. © Joan Avise.


Bush Mallow
(Lax-flowered Bush Mallow)

Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp. laxiflorus

A common large shrub of dry slopes in Chaparral, especially following fires.  It is often found in colonies. 

Endemic to coastal Southern and Central California

Back to Malvaceae of Orange County, California
Back to Eudicots of Orange County, California
Back to Natural History of Orange County, California


Many stamens fused into a central tube Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange, CA. 7-3-11. © Joan Avise.

Long wand-like branches. 4-23-11. © Joan Avise.

Peter's Canyon Regional Park, Irvine, CA. 5-05-07. © Joan Avise.

Five petals; many stamens fused into a central tube. Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, CA. 10-15-06. © Joan Avise.

Five pointed sepals united at the base. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach, CA.6-13-09. © Joan Avise.

Newport Beach Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach, CA. © Joan Avise.

Can reach 15 ft. high. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach, CA. 6-13-09. © Joan Avise.

Multiple stems can arise from the base. Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park, Trabuco Cyn., Orange Co., CA. 6-4-11. © Joan Avise.