Checkerbloom

(Sidalcea malviflora)

Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sidalcea malviflora, commonly known as Checkerbloom, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows in California and Oregon, with its range extending to Baja California. It is a member of the mallow family and exhibits a variety of forms due to its many subspecies. Typically, it grows from a woody caudex and rhizome, reaching up to 60 centimeters in height. The stems are sparsely to densely covered in fine hairs. Its inflorescence consists of a cluster of several cup-shaped flowers, each with five bright to dark pink petals, often adorned with distinctive white veining, and ranging from one to over three centimeters in length. The flowering season extends from spring to early summer, and the flowers are known for their attractiveness to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Checkerbloom is valued for its showy flowers and adaptability to various garden settings, including traditional, native plant, water-conserving, and wildlife gardens. It is often used in border plantings, meadow gardens, and as a component of pollinator-friendly landscapes. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium amounts of water, although it is drought-tolerant once established. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases in humid conditions. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a longer blooming period and prevent self-seeding.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows in California and Oregon, extending to Baja California

Other Names

Common Names: Dwarf Checkerbloom , Checker Bloom , California Checkerbloom , Malvenblütige Präriemalve , Röd Axmalva , Checker Mallow

Scientific Names: Sidalcea malviflora , Sidalcea malvaeflora , Sidalcea malvaeflora subsp. patula

GBIF Accepted Name: Sidalcea malviflora (DC.) Gray ex Benth.