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Meadow Checkermallow flowers (Sidalcea campestris). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close up of a bee visiting the pink flower of Meadow Checkermallow (Sidalcea campestris). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Meadow Checkermallow leaves (Sidalcea campestris). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Meadow Checkermallow flowers (Sidalcea campestris). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Meadow Checkermallow

Sidalcea campestris

Only found in the Willamette Valley, showy-flowering Meadow Checkermallow is becoming increasingly rare. Its white-to-blush blooms stand gorgeously on hollyhock-like stems that are often tall enough to look you in the eye. It is one of the absolute best butterfly plants in the Pacific Northwest and an abundant source of nectar for native bees and hummingbirds. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous perennial herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 2-6' tall, 8”-2’ wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, part-sun/part-shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry to moist soil
  • Bloom time: May - July
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growing, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers are a nectar source for adult butterflies and hummingbirds and a source of both pollen/nectar for native bees and other insect pollinators, including being the primary pollen source for the rare native bee, Diadasia nigrifrons; overall plant attracts and supports other beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for many butterflies including the Fender's blue (Icaricia icarioides fenderi), American lady (Vanessa virginiensis), West Coast lady (V. annabella), painted lady (V. cardui), checkered skipper (Pyrgus communis) and gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
  • Native habitat/range: uncommon in pastures, fields and along roadsides almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley. Beyond a few remnant populations, this plant is now largely extinct in the wild. Portland Plant List - yes. 
  • Special features & uses: wildlife and pollinator favorite, including hummingbirds; landscape uses include meadowscapes and pollinator gardens; drought tolerant; makes a good cut flower 

Gardening with Meadow Checkermallow: This long-lived perennial prefers meadow-like conditions that are mostly sunny. Like most plants, it prefers well-drained soils - but it will tolerate heavy clay that dries out entirely in the summer. Established plants are highly drought tolerant and will form clumps up to 2′ wide. Plant with other Oregon white oak woodland associates like wild roses (Rosa sp.), Oregon iris (Iris tenax), lupine (Lupinus sp.), shooting stars (Dodecatheon sp.), and native bunch grasses. For the best pollinator benefit, plant several and allow it to grow in broad swaths, creating large areas of dusty pink blooms. You’ll also be aiding in the recovery of this species of conservation concern in Oregon, where roadside spraying programs threaten its limited, remaining wild populations.

Photo Credit 1: "File:Sidalcea campestris inflorescence.jpg" by Flowersinmyyard is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo Credit 2: Eileen Stark

Photo Credit 3: "File:Sidalcea campestris in spring.jpg" by Flowersinmyyard is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo Credit 4: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants