The association here is with Rhus integrifolia, Heteromeles arbutifolia, and Marah macrocarpus. The plants are somewhat woody perennials which, after about 5 years, become senescent and benefit from resprouting. Sites where new resprouts are not favored, such as rocky cliff sites, do not provide optimal habitat for this plant, but have served to maintain genetic diversity. At the present time, reproduction in the wild is occurring primarily by vegetative means. Little is known of the San Clemente Island bush-mallow's reproductive phenology.
Pollen is probably disseminate by solitary agapostemon or andrinid bees.
Seed set was not observed at the Lemon Tank site where it is presumed a single clone occurs. Artificial pollination between China Canyon and Lemon Tank Canyon clones produce seed set. Subsequent discovery of the larger Horse Beach Canyon colonies revealed natural seed set. Plants appear to become senescent after 5 years or so and vegetative regeneration by underground runner or stolon is the usual mode of population maintenance. The only colony where plant community associations can be determined is at Horse Beach Canyon.