Sidalcea
Sidalcea spp. (incl. S. malviflora, S. oregana)
Sidalcea, known as Prairie Mallow or Checkerbloom, is an elegant native perennial bearing tall wands of silky pink to lilac hollyhock-like flowers. It symbolizes grace, femininity, and the wild beauty of the American West.
Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Early to midsummer (June–August); deadheading encourages rebloom into fall
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Sidalcea occupies a cherished place in both North American native plant culture and the English cottage garden tradition. Its refined resemblance to hollyhock made it an instant favorite when introduced to British gardens in the 19th century, and it has remained a staple of the classic cottage border ever since. In its native western American habitat, it represents the wild, open landscapes of Pacific coastal prairies and mountain meadows — places of great natural beauty that are increasingly at risk. The flower is also a symbol of the native plant movement, celebrated for its value to native pollinators including specialist bees that depend on mallow-family plants.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; flowers best in full sun with adequate moisture
Water
Moderate moisture; established plants have good drought tolerance; water regularly during dry spells for best flowering
Soil
Moist to well-drained, Average to fertile, Loamy, Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile, well-drained to moist soil
Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage a second flush of bloom in late summer
Divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent center die-out
Taller varieties may need staking in exposed or windy locations
Cut back hard after the first flush of bloom to promote fresh foliage and reblooming
Excellent companion for agastache, salvia, echinacea, and ornamental grasses in a pollinator border
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cottage garden borders and mixed perennial plantings
- Prairie-style and naturalistic garden designs
- Cut flowers — long-lasting and elegant in arrangements
- Pollinator gardens attracting butterflies and bumblebees
- Native plant gardens throughout the western United States
- Vertical accent in mid-border plantings
Traditional Uses
- Various Sidalcea species were used by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest as food — the mucilaginous leaves and flowers were occasionally eaten raw or cooked
- The Karok and other California tribes used root preparations for general health and as a mild laxative
- No significant modern clinical use; primarily valued as an ornamental and native plant
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sidalcea
What is sidalcea commonly called?
Sidalcea is most commonly known as Prairie Mallow or Checkerbloom. Other names include Checker Mallow, Wild Hollyhock, and Oregon Checker-mallow depending on the species. The "checker" names refer to the patterned veining visible in the flowers of some species.
What does sidalcea look like?
Sidalcea produces tall, slender stems bearing racemes of silky, five-petaled flowers that closely resemble miniature hollyhocks. The flowers come in shades of pink, rose, lilac, and white, with distinctively notched or fringed petal tips, and bloom from the base of the spike upward through summer.
What does sidalcea symbolize?
Sidalcea symbolizes grace, elegance, and natural feminine beauty. Its refined hollyhock-like flowers on slender stems evoke the gentle, airy character of wild meadow flowers, making it a symbol of effortless elegance in both garden and natural landscapes.
How do you care for sidalcea?
Grow Sidalcea in full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture. Deadhead spent spikes promptly to encourage reblooming into late summer or fall. Divide clumps every 2–3 years to keep plants vigorous. Taller varieties may benefit from staking.
Is sidalcea the same as hollyhock?
Sidalcea and Hollyhock (Alcea) are related — both belong to the Mallow family (Malvaceae) — but they are different plants. Sidalcea is a more refined, slender perennial with smaller, more delicately fringed flowers, while Hollyhock is taller and coarser with larger blooms. Sidalcea is also more reliably perennial in garden conditions.
Is sidalcea good for pollinators?
Yes, Sidalcea is an excellent pollinator plant. It attracts bumblebees, butterflies, and specialist native bees — including checkered-skipper butterflies whose caterpillars use mallow-family plants as host plants. It is a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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