Abutilon parishii, commonly known as Parish’s Indian Mallow, is an evergreen subshrub native to arid and semi-arid regions, including grasslands, desert scrub, and rocky slopes in the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico. It typically grows up to about 1 meter tall, but can reach heights of 1.9 meters (6 ft 3 in). This plant is characterized by its small, pale orange flowers, about a centimeter long, which bloom sporadically and open in the late afternoon to evening, often for just a few hours. The fruit is a schizocarp that splits into 6 to 8 mericarps, releasing seeds in June and after summer rains. The seeds exhibit delayed germination, with older seeds being more viable than fresh ones.

Parish’s Indian Mallow is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun with minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used for habitat restoration in its native range due to its adaptability to harsh conditions. The plant’s low water requirements and fast-draining soil preference make it an excellent choice for gardeners in arid climates. While it is not known for aggressive roots or serious disease problems, its seeds’ germination difficulty may be a consideration for propagation.CC BY-SA 4.0