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Common Name: Checkerbloom

General Information

Sidalcea malviflora is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.80 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

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

Habitat

Grassy slopes and open forest glades[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

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)[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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.