When does Sidalcea oregana bloom?

Sidalcea oregana typically flowers from May through July, with pink spikes appearing along stems in mountain meadows and moist open sites.

What pollinators visit Sidalcea oregana?

Bees and butterflies regularly visit Sidalcea oregana flowers for nectar and pollen during its summer bloom period.

How much water does Sidalcea oregana need?

This checkerbloom prefers medium to consistently moist soil and does well in wet meadows, seeps, and streamside sites where water is available through the growing season.

How much light does Sidalcea oregana need?

Sidalcea oregana grows best with part sun but tolerates conditions from full sun to part shade, especially where soil moisture remains adequate.

What type of plant is Sidalcea oregana?

Sidalcea oregana is a herbaceous perennial forb in the mallow family, dying back to the ground each year and regrowing from its root crown in spring.

Is Oregon Checkerbloom toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Oregon Checkerbloom as toxic to livestock.

Is Oregon Checkerbloom HOA-friendly?

Oregon Checkerbloom is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Oregon Checkerbloom

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sidalcea oregana

Last reviewed: September 2026

Sidalcea oregana is a perennial forb that blooms May through July, producing pink flower spikes in moist mountain meadows and streambanks across the western US.

Oregon Checkerbloom (Sidalcea oregana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Oregon Checkerbloom as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

Sidalcea oregana, commonly known as checker-mallow, produces elegant spikes of pink to rose-colored flowers in late spring through summer. This native perennial has a clumping growth habit with lobed green leaves and works well in borders or wildflower gardens. It maintains a relatively tidy appearance when in bloom.

Growing Oregon Checkerbloom

Grow Oregon Checkerbloom in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Oregon Checkerbloom is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

May look slightly unkempt after flowering
Leaves can deteriorate in hot, dry conditions
Should be cut back after bloom cycle

Wildlife value

Checker-mallow is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during its summer blooming period. It serves as a food source for several butterfly species.

Common questions

When does Sidalcea oregana bloom?: Sidalcea oregana typically flowers from May through July, with pink spikes appearing along stems in mountain meadows and moist open sites.
What pollinators visit Sidalcea oregana?: Bees and butterflies regularly visit Sidalcea oregana flowers for nectar and pollen during its summer bloom period.
How much water does Sidalcea oregana need?: This checkerbloom prefers medium to consistently moist soil and does well in wet meadows, seeps, and streamside sites where water is available through the growing season.
How much light does Sidalcea oregana need?: Sidalcea oregana grows best with part sun but tolerates conditions from full sun to part shade, especially where soil moisture remains adequate.
What type of plant is Sidalcea oregana?: Sidalcea oregana is a herbaceous perennial forb in the mallow family, dying back to the ground each year and regrowing from its root crown in spring.
Is Oregon Checkerbloom toxic to dogs?: Oregon Checkerbloom is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Oregon Checkerbloom toxic to cats?: Oregon Checkerbloom is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Oregon Checkerbloom toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Oregon Checkerbloom as toxic to livestock.
Is Oregon Checkerbloom HOA-friendly?: Oregon Checkerbloom is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

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