Malvaceae
Sidalcea hendersonii

Henderson's Checker Mallow

Stems erect, hollow, usually tinted purplish, hairless [[ok? OK]]. Basal leaves with long petioles, heart-shaped, round-toothed; stem leaves alternate, palmately divided into 5 oblong lobes. Flowers numerous in branched racemes atop stems. Plants both female and bisexual. Bisexual flowers larger, pale. Female flowers 1/2 in., darker pink, lacking anthers. Sometimes confused with Lythrum salicaria, purple loosestrife, with red-purple flowers arranged in a spike-like raceme, which is invasive in same habitat. Grows along coast in tidal marshes and meadows. Extremely rare in Oregon, uncommon in Washington and rare in British Columbia.

  • Rarity: Rare
  • Flowering Time: All Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 1--5 feet
  • Habitat: Coastal, Bog/Fen/Wetland
  • Found In: Olympic Np
  • Native: Yes