Sidalcea cusickii
This exceptionally showy wildflower is rare and endemic to Western Oregon, meaning this is the only place in the entire world where it grows! Similar to a hollyhock, it flaunts dense clusters of open-petaled flowers on tall spires. The flowers start out bright pink and fade to deep purple by early summer and are loved by native pollinators, especially butterflies.
- Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
- Size at maturity: 18-72” tall, 8-12" wide
- Light requirements: full sun to partial shade
- Moisture requirements: moist to wet soil
- Bloom time: June - August
- Growth rate/ease: easy to grow, moderate growth rate
- Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar to hummingbirds, adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native butterflies and moths
- Native habitat/range: grows in sunny riparian zones and other open and moist habitats in Western, Oregon where it is endemic and considered to be rare or threatened in its natural habitat. Portland Plant List - no.
- Special features & uses: landscape uses include meadowscapes and pollinator gardens
Gardening with Cusick’s Checkermallow: This showy wildflower prefers lots of sun and moist soils, so plant it in a perennially moist area or expect to provide moderate summer water (i.e. deep watering, every 1-2 weeks during the peak summer drought). The flower stalks can become quite tall, up to 6’, with a form similar to an ornamental loosestrife or snapdragon on steroids. Plant several in swaths in your habitat garden or meadowscape for the best visual effect and the most benefit for pollinators. Add other perennial wildflowers and bunchgrasses that can add biodiversity and help support its tall flower stalks from flopping over.
Photo Credit 1 (flowers closeup): "Sidalcea cusickii" by BLM Oregon & Washington is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Photo Credit 2 (foliage): © Ed Alverson, some rights reserved (CC-BY)
Photo Credit 3-5 (plants in the wild): © Gail A Baker, some rights reserved (CC-BY)