Pt. Reyes Checkerbloom
Sidalcea calycosa ssp. rhizomata
Care
part shade, full sun
moderate
Fast, Medium, Slow, Standing; Tolerant of a variety of garden soils as long as sufficient moisture is available.
1–3ft tall
Mar-Nov
Deciduous
Friendly
Prized
Endemic to coastal bluffs and grasslands near Point Reyes in Marin County, below 500 ft elevation, in coastal prairie and coastal sage scrub.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Pt. Reyes Checkerbloom in spring or fall in a consistently moist location - this plant thrives in wet areas and won't tolerate dry conditions. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains slowly or even holds standing water; it tolerates various soil types as long as moisture is abundant. Space plants to minimize competition, as this rare native spreads via rhizomes when happy. Pair it with other wet-loving plants like ferns, Red Alder, or sedges that won't crowd it out.
After Planting
Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season, especially during summer - this is not optional for success. Cut back the entire plant at the end of autumn after flowering finishes to encourage bushier growth and more blooms the following year. The #1 mistake is treating this as a typical garden plant; it will fail without consistently wet soil, so don't plant it in average garden beds. While it may act as a weak perennial in ideal conditions, expect it to bloom from spring through fall before dying back for winter.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
early spring queens forage on Sidalcea flowers for nectar to establish colonies
caterpillars feed on Sidalcea species and related mallows in spring; adults emerge April-May
nymphs and adults browse on mallow foliage and flowers; peak activity July-August
foragers collect nectar and pollen during bloom period for hive provisioning
fungal genus that parasitizes host plant; spore production peaks in cool, moist seasons
adults nectar on mallow flowers June-September for energy and reproduction
Birds
consume dried seeds in fall and winter as food source; supplement diet during cover plant use
Mammals
browse on mallow plants for moisture and nutrients; more important in drought periods
graze on Sidalcea plants as part of diverse herbaceous diet in coastal scrub habitat