Oregon Checker Mallow

When I saw this plant blooming at Jackson Bottom Wetlands the other day, I thought to myself, "that's got to be related to hollyhock." Turns out one of the other common names for it is Marsh Hollyhock! It's also known as Oregon Sidalcea and Oregon Checkerbloom. The Oregon Checker Mallow (Sidalcea oregano) is native, and grows along streams and other wet areas, from 2 - 4 feet high. It is indeed related to the garden hollyhocks, as they are both in the Mallow (Malvaceae) family. This one was at the North end of the wetlands, near the viewing deck. (6/18/2013).

In researching this plant, I learned there are several native checker mallows or checkerblooms listed in various sources. The Nelson's Checkerbloom (Sidalcea nelsoniana) is a rare, threatened species that looks almost identical to the more common Oregon Checker Mallow. In fact, these mallows can hybridize, so it can be very difficult to completely identify. For more information, visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/CONSERVATION/pages/profile_sine.aspx

Note the wind anchor at bottom left!

Note unique leaves.