Species Profile
Environmental Conservation Online System

Gierisch mallow (Sphaeralcea gierischii)

Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae

Listing Status:   

General Information

Gierisch mallow is a perennial, flowering member of the mallow family. S. gierischii is only found on gypsum outcrops associated with the Harrisburg Member of the Kaibab Formation in northern Mohave County, Arizona and closely adjacent Washington County, Utah (Atwood and Welsh 2002, p. 161). The surrounding plant community is that of warm desertscrub (Mohave desertscrub). We know very little about the life history of this species, since it was only recently described. We believe it is a perennial because it is woody at the base and the same individuals have been observed for more than one year. It dies back to the ground during the winter and re-sprouts from the base during late winter and spring (January-March), depending on daytime temperatures and rainfall. We do not know how the flowers are pollinated, the pollination system (self-pollinated or obligate out crosser), seed dispersal mechanisms, or the conditions under which seeds germinate. Young plants have been observed on reclaimed areas within the gypsum mining area (Service 2008, p. 1).

Map of Species occurrence

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Map Image Map of Species occurrence Map of Species occurrence

This map represents our best available information about where a species is currently known to or or is believed to occur; however, it should NOT be used as an official species list for Section 7 Consultation purposes. To obtain an official species list for this purpose, please visit the Information, Planning, and Conservation (IPaC) System (click here: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac)



  • States/US Territories in which the Gierisch mallow is known to or is believed to occur:  Arizona , Utah
  • US Counties in which the Gierisch mallow is known to or is believed to occur:  View All
Current Listing Status Summary
Status Date Listed Lead Region Where Listed
Southwest Region (Region 2)

» Candidate Information

Former Candidate Status

Listing Priority: 
Magnitude: 
Immediacy: 
Taxonomy: 
Species Assessment: Species Assessment Form for the Sphaeralcea gierischii -- 185Kb
Candidate Notice of Review Documents (Showing 4 of 4)
Date Citation Page Title
10/26/2011 76 FR 66370 66439 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions
11/10/2010 75 FR 69222 69294 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule
11/09/2009 74 FR 57804 57878 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions
12/10/2008 73 FR 75176 75244 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule

» Federal Register Documents

Most Recent Federal Register Documents (Showing 5 of 6: view all)
Date Citation Page Title
03/28/2013 78 FR 18943 18947 Listing as Endangered and Designation of Critical Habitat for the Gierisch Mallow
08/17/2012 77 FR 49893 49919 Determination of Status for the Gierisch Mallow and Designation of Critical Habitat: Proposed rule.
10/26/2011 76 FR 66370 66439 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions
11/10/2010 75 FR 69222 69294 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule
11/09/2009 74 FR 57804 57878 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions

» Conservation Plans

No conservation plans have been created for Gierisch mallow

» Petitions

Most Recent Petition Findings (Showing 2 of 2)
Date Citation Page Title Finding
10/26/2011 76 FR 66370 66439 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions
  • Notice 12 month petition finding, Warranted but precluded
  • Notice CNOR
    • 11/10/2010 75 FR 69222 69294 Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule
  • Notice 12 month petition finding, Warranted but precluded
  • Notice CNOR

    • » Life History

    No Life History information has been entered into this system for this species.

    » Other Resources

    NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

    ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

    Last updated: June 18, 2013