Sphaeralcea ambigua, commonly known as desert globemallow or apricot mallow, is a hardy perennial subshrub native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It thrives in dry, rocky soils and desert washes, displaying remarkable drought tolerance once established. The plant typically grows between 30 and 90 centimeters tall, forming a bushy mound of silvery-gray, fuzzy leaves that help reflect sunlight and conserve moisture. From spring through early summer—and often again after summer rains—it produces a profusion of cup-shaped flowers in shades of apricot-orange, pink, or lavender, attracting native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The five-petaled blossoms resemble small hibiscus flowers, reflecting the plant’s membership in the mallow family (Malvaceae). Sphaeralcea ambigua is a resilient species well adapted to poor, alkaline soils and extreme heat, making it a valuable component of xeriscapes and native plant gardens. Beyond its ornamental use, it also plays an important ecological role by supporting desert pollinators and providing erosion control on dry slopes and disturbed sites.