Desert Five-Spot
Eremalche rotundifolia (A. Gray) Greene
Desert Five-Spot is a rare and jewel-like annual wildflower of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, bearing globe-shaped pink blooms each marked with a vivid crimson spot at the base of every petal. It symbolizes wonder, perfect harmony, and the fleeting magic of the desert superbloom.
Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Late winter to spring (February–May); blooms briefly and intensely following good winter rainfall
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: ipomoeas and yellow desert evening primroses also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Desert Five-Spot is one of the most sought-after jewels of the California and Arizona wildflower season. Its near-spherical blooms — each petal anchored by a deep crimson spot — create flowers of uncanny symmetry and beauty, as if nature has placed a perfect ruby at the heart of each petal. The flower's appearance in abundance is a hallmark of the legendary desert superbloom, a phenomenon that draws thousands of visitors to places like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Death Valley each spring. The five spots, one on each petal, give the flower its name and carry an almost sacred visual harmony — five has long been a number associated with balance, the human form, and the natural order in many cultural traditions.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; a true desert plant accustomed to intense, unfiltered sunlight
Water
Relies entirely on winter and spring rainfall; requires good winter rains to germinate and bloom — does not perform well in supplemental irrigation settings
Soil
Sandy, Gravelly, Alkaline, Fast-draining, Rocky loam
Expert Growing Tips
Best grown in its native desert habitat with fast-draining alkaline soil and full sun
Scatter seeds in fall in sandy or gravelly soil; no soil preparation needed — let rain trigger germination naturally
Does not grow well in containers or in heavy, clay-rich soils
Not suitable for humid climates; thrives specifically in hot desert conditions
Blooms only in years with adequate winter rainfall — this is a classic superbloom species
Flowers close at night and reopen each morning; leaves also track the sun throughout the day
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Desert wildflower gardens and naturalized areas
- Native plant meadow mixes for southwestern gardens
- Anza-Borrego and Death Valley wildflower tourism
- Pollinator and bee-friendly garden plantings
- Seed scatter for appropriate desert and dry mediterranean gardens
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Desert Five-Spot
What does the desert five-spot symbolize?
The Desert Five-Spot symbolizes wonder, fleeting beauty, and rare grace — a jewel-like wildflower that appears only after exceptional winter rains, making each bloom feel like a small miracle and a reminder to cherish transient, beautiful moments.
Where can I see desert five-spot in the wild?
Desert Five-Spot is most reliably found in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Death Valley National Park in California, as well as desert washes in Nevada and western Arizona. It blooms most abundantly following winters with above-average rainfall — known as superbloom years.
Why does the desert five-spot have spots?
Each of the five petals bears a dark red-purple basal spot, which guides pollinators toward the flower's center. The high-contrast markings, known as nectar guides, are visible to bees and other insects even in ultraviolet light, helping direct them efficiently to the nectar and pollen.
Is desert five-spot easy to grow?
It is challenging outside its native desert habitat. It requires fast-draining alkaline soil, full desert sun, and naturally timed winter rainfall to germinate and bloom well. It does not grow reliably in containers or in humid or heavy-soil gardens.
What family does desert five-spot belong to?
It belongs to the Malvaceae (mallow) family, making it a relative of hollyhocks, hibiscus, globe mallows, and cotton. The rounded, toothed leaves characteristic of the mallow family are clearly visible in desert five-spot plants.
Do desert five-spot flowers close at night?
Yes — the petals close at night and reopen each morning. The plant's leaves also orient themselves throughout the day to maximize sun exposure, a behavior called solar tracking or heliotropism, which is common in desert annuals maximizing their short growing season.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Ipomoea
Ipomoea purpurea (and other spp.)
Ipomoea encompasses morning glories and moonflowers, fast-growing vines with trumpet-shaped blooms. They symbolize love, affection, and the fleeting nature of life.
Yellow Desert Evening Primrose
Oenothera primiveris
Yellow Desert Evening Primrose is a stunning desert annual with large golden flowers that open in the evening and turn orange-pink as they age. This low-growing wildflower creates spectacular spring displays across southwestern deserts.
Daffodil
Narcissus spp. (N. pseudonarcissus, N. poeticus, and others)
Daffodils are cheerful spring bulbs with trumpet-shaped centers and surrounding petals. They symbolize rebirth, new beginnings, and hope after winter.