Sidalcea campestris, commonly known as meadow checker-mallow, is a taprooted perennial herb native to the Pacific Northwest, specifically the prairies and meadows of western Oregon, including the Willamette Valley. It thrives in open grasslands, wet meadows, and occasionally in disturbed areas such as roadsides. This species typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) with erect, hollow stems and basal leaves that are rounded and toothed. The showy flowers, ranging from white to pink, bloom in branched racemes from late spring to mid-summer, peaking in June to August.

Meadow checker-mallow is celebrated for its ornamental qualities, with its delicate flowers adding a splash of color to wildflower gardens and native plant landscapes. It is also an important nectar source for pollinators, including the endangered Fender’s Blue Butterfly and the native bee Diadasia nigrifrons. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, moist to well-drained soils, and is relatively low maintenance. While it is not commonly used in urban settings, it is ideal for naturalized areas, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly gardens. It can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0