WSU Clark County Extension
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Cusick’s Checkermallow

Scientific name: Sidalcea virgata
Taxonomy
Family:Malvaceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:7 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Wet
Plant Characteristics
Height:4 ft
Width:1 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:Pink
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Cusick’s Checkermallow is considered a rare and endangered native plant in the Pacific Northwest. Also known as Rose Checker Mallow or Wild Hollyhock.

  Morphology:
This herbaceous perennial features tall flowering spikes that grow to 3’-4’ in height. The leaves consist of deeply cut, palmately arranged foliage which is green in color. Flower stalks shoot up above the foliage and bear loose racemes of rose pink to magenta flowers in May through June.

The flowers readily attract butterflies.

Plants will spread slowly by underground rhizomes.

  Adaptation:
This is a wonderful wildflower for mild moist areas and will create an inviting habitat for butterflies. If it is not grown near a wetland it will require supplement summer irrigation.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234