Checkerbloom, Dwarf checkerbloom, California checkerbloom, Siskiyou checkerbloom
Sidalcea malviflora

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Sidalcea malviflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Grassy slopes and open forest glades.

South-western N. America - Oregon to Baja California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves have a very mild flavour and a slightly mucilaginous texture, they make a very acceptable salad. The leaves can be cooked as greens. The dried mashed leaves have been used as a flavouring with black manzanita berries (Arctostaphyllos spp).

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a deep fertile well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in full sun or with some shade at the hottest part of the day. This species thrives in climates with a relatively cool summer and mild winters and tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c. However, where prolonged cold temperatures are experienced without snow cover, it is best to mulch the plants well in winter with material such as bracken litter. If the plants are cut back immediately after flowering they will usually produce a second flush of bloom in late summer. The flowers last well when they are cut for indoor use. There are many named varieties, selected for their ornamental value.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

basionym: Sida malviflora