Practical
Plants

Sidalcea malviflora

Checkerbloom

a perennial member of the Sidalcea genus in the family Malvaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Malvaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.8 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves have a very mild flavour and a slightly mucilaginous texture, they make a very acceptable salad[K]. The leaves can be cooked as greens[2]. The dried mashed leaves have been used as a flavouring with black manzanita berries (Arctostaphyllos spp)[2].

Plant part
Leaves

Environment

Range
South-western N. America - Oregon to Baja California.
Habitat
Grassy slopes and open forest glades[1].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a deep fertile well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in full sun or with some shade at the hottest part of the day[1]. This species thrives in climates with a relatively cool summer and mild winters and tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c[1]. 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[1]. If the plants are cut back immediately after flowering they will usually produce a second flush of bloom in late summer[1]. The flowers last well when they are cut for indoor use[1]. There are many named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[1].

References

  1. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  2. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2

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