1. Dwarf Checkerbloom – Sidalcea malviflora ssp. malviflora
(si-DAL-see-a mal-vi-FLOR-uh)
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Native to: This ssp. native to the coastal regions of the west from OR to Baja; grassy slopes, moist
meadows & open forest glades, Coastal prairie & scrub, generally under 500 m. elevation.
herbaceous perennial
mature height: < 1 ft.
mature width: 2-3 ft.
Low-growing/creeping herbaceous perennial that dies back completely to woody crown in dry
summer. Other subspecies are 2-3 ft tall. Leaves medium/dark green; basal leaves rounded, upper
leaves may be incised. Attractive, short-lived seasonal ground-cover. Spreads slowly via rhizomes.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring. Flowers along a flowering stalk, rather like a short hollyhock.
Flowers an iridescent bright to soft pink – very showy. Look like small Hibiscus flowers.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Useful as seasonal groundcover in mixed beds, with bulbs/corms and in bright
shade under oaks and Elderberries. Nice with native grasses & wildflowers – as it occurs in nature.
Would be a nice border in the vegetable garden or along walkways. Young leaves are edible, raw or
cooked as greens. Dried leaves may be used as a seasoning spice.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native low-growing spring perennials.
Excellent butterfly habitat: provides nectar and larval food for Painted Lady, West Coast
Lady, Gray Hairstreak, Rural Skipper, Common Checkered Skipper, Western Checkered Skipper.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade (especially in hot gardens – dislikes heat)
Any well-drained local soil; no extremes in pH
Zone 2 to 2-3; needs little summer water (will die back to the ground) but will take
occasional summer water.
None needed; organic mulches fine
Does best near the coast; dislikes heat
Quite easy in the correct setting.
Usually pest/disease free.
Can cut back
flowering stalks after flowering to encourage second bloom. Usually dies back to ground in fall.
Management:
from seed: may need hot water soak; seeds easy to collect from garden plants
by divisions: in winter/spring
Propagation:
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8,13, 20 (? spp.)
12/14/10
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