Sidalcea nelsoniana

Common Names

Nelson's Checkerbloom, Nelson's Checker-Mallow

Summary

Nelson's checker-mallow is a native Pacific Northwest perennial herb in the Malvaceae that grows about 0.4–1 m tall and occurs in open fields, meadows, fencerows, and remnant prairies of Oregon and Washington. It features basal reniform to rounded leaves and deeply lobed cauline leaves, with inflorescences that are erect and spiciform bearing pink to magenta flowers; petals are five with purple-tinted calyces and purple bracts, and flowering runs from May through September.

Reproduction is seed-based, with plants producing 75,000–150,000 seeds per pound; after cleaning, seeds require a 120-day cool, moist stratification at 38°F before sowing and can be planted directly or as plugs in loamy media. Seedlings may be established in a greenhouse (approximately 70°F days/50°F nights) before outplanting, which shows relatively high survival under suitable conditions, making this species suitable for habitat restoration and native plantings in suitable Northwest landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1.5-3.5 feet

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Broad range of soils, with a preference for wet, moist conditions.

Soil Drainage

Moist to wet soils

Soil pH

Unknown

Bloom Color

Pink to magenta, usually pale purple or pink, rarely white.

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Foliage Color

Glaucous (bluish-green)

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division (via rhizomes), Root fragments