Light Poppymallow

Callirhoe alcaeoides

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Malvaceae
Genus:
Callirhoe
Species:
Callirhoe alcaeoides
USDA Symbol:
CAAL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Tolerates fire well and resprouts vigorously from deep taproot. Benefits from periodic fire in prairie ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers open, sunny habitats with minimal competition.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seed coat scarification improves germination rates. Seeds respond well to cold-moist stratification followed by warm temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI