Sidalcea malviflora subsp. californica, commonly known as California Checker Mallow, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the open grasslands, meadows, and the edges of marshes in California. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This plant forms a clump of upright stems with lobed leaves, and it produces showy spikes of pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, adding a splash of color to the garden.

California Checker Mallow is valued for its attractive flowers and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a border plant. This species is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and mildew if conditions are too damp.CC BY-SA 4.0