Dwarf Checkerbloom
Sidalcea sparsifolia
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Pacific Southwest Region USFWS (www.flickr.com) from Sacramento, US
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Sidalcea
- Species:
- Sidalcea sparsifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- SISP7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, lavender
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Chionodes sp. A, Exaeretia nechlys, Exaeretia thoracefasciella, Two-banded Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus ruralis), West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Diadasia nigrifrons
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
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:
- native to arid regions, prefers open areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds may benefit from scarification or cold stratification to break dormancy.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI