Tall Poppy-Mallow
Callirhoe leiocarpa

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Callirhoe leiocarpa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.9

Where it is found

Prairies, plains, woods and mesquite groves.

Southern N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - cooked. Parsnip-shaped.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a light rich sandy loam and a sunny position. This species is hardy to about -15°c. A polymorphic species. Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible. Slugs are strongly attracted to this plant and can destroy even established plants by eating out all the young shoots in spring.

Propagating it: Seed - sow outdoors or in a cold frame. Plants resent root disturbance so the seed is best sown in situ in April, though the slugs will have a field day if you do not protect the plants. If seed is in short supply then sow it in pots in a cold frame, putting a few seeds in each pot, and plant the pots out in early summer once the plants have put on at least 15cm of growth. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 months at 15°c.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. pedata. (Torr.&Gray.)Gray. Malva pedata.