“Scarlet Globemallow, the Ceremonial Healer”

Scarlet globemallow, related to its European relative the hollyhock, was one of the last plant specimens collected on the Lewis and Clark expedition. It prefers very dry, poor soil, and flourishes on disturbed/overgrazed land due to its long taproots and spreading rhizomes. Growth is upright and sprawling, rarely more than 16 inches tall. Also known as “prairie mallow” and “cowboy’s delight,” its bright orange blooms contrast with deep gray-green hairy foliage from May to October every year on the prairie. Deer and other wildlife graze on the plant. The Northern Cheyenne and Dakota tribes also used scarlet globemallow in their ceremonies, treated skin wounds, and Navajo used it as a tea to improve appetite.

Scarlet globemallow is accompanied by the Eastern Tailed Blue butterfly and bumblebees, highlighting the important partnership between plants and pollinators on the prairie.

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame.