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Native Plant Database

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Sidalcea malviflora (Checkerbloom)
Bruso, George H.

Sidalcea malviflora (DC.) Gray ex Benth.

Checkerbloom, Dwarf checker-mallow, Dwarf checkerbloom

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

USDA Symbol: SIMA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is a variable perennial species with numerous subspecies recognized throughout its range. Rhizomes bear dense tufts of dark-green, palmately lobed, fleshy leaves above which grows a flowering stalk 6-24 in. high. Pink to purple, hollyhock-like flowers line the stalk and vary in size according to subspecies. The flowers open in the morning and twist closed at night.

This plant is very variable throughout its range, and reseeds readily.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , OR , WA
Native Distribution: Coastal areas from s. OR through CA
Native Habitat: Grassy slopes; mesas; prairies; open woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist winter/dry summer soils.
Conditions Comments: Because this plant is so variable throughout its range, it is important to use plant material native to the area in which you will be planting. In its native range, checkerblooms reseeds readily.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Most easily propagated from seed planted in the late fall. You can also divide the root crowns in the winter before the flowering stem starts to develop. Cut the root lengthwise into 2-3 pieces and replant 8-12 in. apart.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Germination is enhanced if seeds are soaked in hot water overnight.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Oregon Native Plant Nursery - Woodburn, OR

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Sidalcea malviflora in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Sidalcea malviflora in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sidalcea malviflora

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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