Overview
Eremalche rotundifolia is a desert annual growing 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) tall, with erect, hairy stems and rounded, shallowly lobed leaves on long stalks. From spring into early summer it bears cup- to globe-shaped flowers about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) across, with five lilac to pink petals. Each petal carries a dark red spot near its base, so the open cup shows a ring of five spots inside. The flowers often stay partly closed, forming a hanging globe. It grows on sandy and gravelly flats, washes, and slopes of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. As a desert annual it germinates after winter rain, flowers in spring, and dies as the soil dries. Flowering is sparse in dry years and showier after wet winters. It needs full sun and sharp drainage and will not persist in moist, heavy soil. The plant completes its cycle in a single season.
Native Range
Native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and northern Mexico. It grows on open sandy and gravelly flats, washes, and desert slopes.Suggested Uses
Used in desert wildflower mixes, rock gardens, and native restoration on dry, sandy sites. It suits low-water plantings that rely on winter rain. The spring flowers supply nectar and pollen for native desert bees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from spring into early summer, generally March through May. The lilac to pink, red-spotted flowers open on warm days and may close partly into a globe. Bloom is brief in dry years and longer after wet winters. The flowers draw native desert bees.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
lilac-pink with red spotsFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
As a desert annual, Eremalche rotundifolia grows in full sun in sandy or gravelly, sharply drained soil. Seed germinates with winter rain to flower in spring. It tolerates heat and drought and needs little water once growing. A soil pH from 6.5 to 8.5 suits it. The plant fails in heavy, moist, or rich soil and does not survive past the season. It self-seeds on open desert ground in favorable years.Pruning
Pruning is not generally practiced on this annual. Spent plants can be cleared once they set seed and dry. Removing old growth opens ground for the next season seedlings. New plants come only from seed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
fall or early winter for spring bloom
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches