Plant Guide: Gooseberryleaf globemallow (Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia [Hook. and Arn.] Rydb.)

Abstract

Globemallow species are grazed opportunistically by pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep (Beale and Smith, 1970; Rumbaugh and others, 1993). The leaves, fruits and seeds are eaten by rodents, rabbits and birds (Pendery and Rumbaugh, 1986). Palatability of globemallow species has been rated desirable to preferred in spring and summer for sheep and antelope and desirable in spring, summer and fall for cattle, horses, deer and elk (Ogle and Brazee, 2009). Globemallow is preferred over grass but not alfalfa during the spring, but is less desirable than grass and alfalfa during the fall (Rumbaugh and others 1993).

Citation

Tilley, Derek; St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan; Shaw, Nancy. 2012. Plant Guide: Gooseberryleaf globemallow (Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia [Hook. and Arn.] Rydb.). Aberdeen, ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. 4 p.