Salt Spring Checkerbloom

(Sidalcea neomexicana)

Salt Spring Checkerbloom (Sidalcea neomexicana)

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Sidalcea neomexicana Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 11" - 28"
• High Temp. 75°F - 90°F
• Low Temp. 8°F - 31°F

Summary

Sidalcea neomexicana, commonly known as salt spring checkerbloom, is a perennial herb that is native to the Western United States and northern Mexico, particularly thriving in meadows, grasslands, and along streambanks. It typically grows 8 to 35 inches tall and features lobed, fleshy leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces a loose cluster of showy pink flowers, each up to 1 inch long, which are particularly attractive to pollinators. The plant’s natural habitat includes open woodlands and riparian areas, where it benefits from the moist but well-drained soils.

Salt spring checkerbloom is valued for its ease of maintenance and the charming pink blooms that can enliven a garden setting. It is often used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This species is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers full sun to part shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to rust and powdery mildew in overly humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to meadows, grasslands, and streambanks in the Western United States and northern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Salt Spring Checkerbloom, Salt Spring Mallow, New Mexico Checkerbloom, New Mexico Checkermallow, Rocky Mountain Checker-Mallow

Scientific Names: Sidalcea neomexicana, Sidalcea confinis, Sidalcea crenulata, Sidalcea neomexicana subsp. crenulata, Sidalcea neomexicana subsp. diehlii, Sidalcea neomexicana subsp. neomexicana, Sidalcea neomexicana subsp. parviflora, Sidalcea neomexicana subsp. thurberi, Sidalcea neomexicana var. crenulata

GBIF Accepted Name: Sidalcea neomexicana