Waxy Checkerbloom
Sidalcea glaucescens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Waxy Checkerbloom (Sidalcea glaucescens) 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
low
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, NV
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Waxy checkerbloom is a compact perennial wildflower with soft pink to white hollyhock-like blooms that appear from May through July. This drought-tolerant native forms neat clumps and works well in water-wise gardens and natural landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Waxy Checkerbloom takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Dies back significantly in winter creating bare patches
- Has wildflower appearance that many HOAs consider too informal
- May self-seed and spread beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The showy flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators during the warm season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Waxy Checkerbloom need?
- Waxy Checkerbloom grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Waxy Checkerbloom bloom?
- Waxy Checkerbloom blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Waxy Checkerbloom native?
- Waxy Checkerbloom (Sidalcea glaucescens) is native to CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Waxy Checkerbloom attract?
- Waxy Checkerbloom draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Waxy Checkerbloom HOA-friendly?
- Waxy Checkerbloom takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Waxy Checkerbloom? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz