Nelson's checker-mallow
Sidalcea nelsoniana
Last reviewed: October 2026
Nelson's checker-mallow (Sidalcea nelsoniana) is a perennial forb native to OR, WA. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw native bees, bumble bees, and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Nelson's checker-mallow (Sidalcea nelsoniana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–40" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
OR, WA
Pollinators
native bees, bumble bees, butterflies
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
An upright perennial with lobed leaves and tall spikes of pink, mallow-shaped flowers. It grows in wet prairies and meadows, and is a federally threatened species with much of its remaining habitat protected.
Growing Nelson's checker-mallow
Grow Nelson's checker-mallow in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 40 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its flowers are an important nectar source for native bees, bumble bees, and butterflies in prairie remnants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nelson's checker-mallow need?
- Nelson's checker-mallow grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Nelson's checker-mallow bloom?
- Nelson's checker-mallow blooms in June and July.
- Where is Nelson's checker-mallow native?
- Nelson's checker-mallow (Sidalcea nelsoniana) is native to OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Nelson's checker-mallow attract?
- Nelson's checker-mallow draws native bees, bumble bees, and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Nelson's checker-mallow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.