Cusick’s Checkermallow is a captivating wildflower known for its striking appearance and unique ecological presence. This plant draws attention from gardeners and conservationists alike, offering insight into the diverse flora of its region.
What is Cusick’s Checkermallow?
Cusick’s Checkermallow, scientifically known as Sidalcea cusickii, is an herbaceous perennial belonging to the Malvaceae family, which includes familiar plants like hollyhocks and hibiscus. This plant grows from a thick taproot and rhizomes, producing several stems that can reach up to 6 feet in height. These stems are often hollow, may have a purple tinge, and are covered in tiny star-shaped hairs.
The plant’s foliage consists of two main types of leaves. Basal leaves are nearly round with large, rounded teeth, up to 13 cm wide. As the stems ascend, the upper leaves become more deeply divided into lobed sections, creating a lacier appearance. Cusick’s Checkermallow produces dense, spike-shaped flower clusters (racemes) at the top of its stems. These flowers are typically bright rose-pink, fading to a deeper purple as they age, and bloom from May through August. Each flower, resembling a miniature hollyhock, can be up to an inch wide; some plants bear smaller, female-only flowers alongside larger, hermaphroditic ones.
Where Does Cusick’s Checkermallow Grow?
Cusick’s Checkermallow is endemic to western Oregon. It thrives in sunny, open riparian sites, such as river banks, and moist fields. This wildflower is found in moist to wet habitats with fertile soils, including lowland and mountain meadows.
Its natural range is primarily confined to specific Oregon counties, including Lane, Douglas, and Josephine, and also the Umpqua, Coquille, and southern Willamette valleys. The plant prefers well-drained, moist to wet soil conditions and tolerates full sun to partial shade. This species is often associated with other wetland plants like rushes and camas.
Conservation Status and Importance
Cusick’s Checkermallow is considered rare or threatened in its natural habitat. Its limited geographic distribution makes its populations vulnerable. Primary threats include habitat loss and degradation due to development and changes in land use impacting its preferred riparian zones and moist meadow ecosystems.
Sidalcea cusickii plays a role in its native ecosystem as a pollinator attractant. Its vibrant flowers are favored by native butterflies, bees, and other insect pollinators, making it a valuable nectar source. The plant also serves as a caterpillar host and larval food source for native butterflies and moths. Preserving Cusick’s Checkermallow helps maintain biodiversity and supports the complex web of life that depends on these native plant communities. Growing this species from responsible nursery sources contributes positively to its conservation.
Distinguishing Features From Similar Plants
Differentiating Cusick’s Checkermallow from other Sidalcea species, such as Nelson’s Checkermallow or Oregon Checkermallow, involves observing specific morphological details. Its flowering stems tend to have multiple branches, which aids identification. A distinguishing characteristic is the presence of long strands of soft hair at the base of the stems, becoming shorter and star-patterned further up the stalk. The prevalence of pistillate-flowered individuals in Cusick’s Checkermallow populations can also be a unique indicator.