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Description
Sidalcea Asprella, commonly known as checker mallow or asprella checker mallow, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is native to the western United States, growing in rocky, sandy soils of desert and semi-desert regions. The plant produces a stem that can reach up to 3 feet tall, with leaves that are palmately lobed and serrated. Its flowers are pink or pale lavender, blooming from spring to summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sidalcea |
| Species | Sidalcea asprella |
Appearance
Sidalcea Asprella has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify. Its stem is hairy and erect, reaching up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are alternate and palmately lobed, with toothed edges. They are green and hairy on the upper surface, while the underside is paler and hairier. The flowers are produced in clusters and are pink or pale lavender, with five petals. The flowers bloom from spring to summer and are followed by hairy, capsule-like fruits.
Care Guide
Sidalcea Asprella is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for your checker mallow:Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Plant the checker mallow in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Sidalcea Asprella is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sidalcea Asprella is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, or powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, make sure to keep the plant healthy and well-watered. If you do notice signs of infestation or disease, treat the plant with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Sidalcea Asprella is native to the western United States, where it grows in rocky, sandy soils of desert and semi-desert regions. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. The plant is adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sidalcea Asprella a good plant for my garden?A: Yes, Sidalcea Asprella is a great choice for a garden in USDA zones 4 to 8. It is low-maintenance and produces attractive pink or lavender flowers.Q: Does Sidalcea Asprella attract bees and butterflies?A: Yes, Sidalcea Asprella is a great plant for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.Q: Can I grow Sidalcea Asprella in a container?A: Yes, you can grow Sidalcea Asprella in a container as long as it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should I fertilize Sidalcea Asprella?A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
– Sidalcea candida- Sidalcea covillei- Sidalcea glaucescens- Sidalcea hartwegii- Sidalcea hirsuta
References
– “Sidalcea asprella.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Available at http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b935. Accessed September 1, 2021.- “Checker Mallow: Sidalcea asprella.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Available at https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=sias2. Accessed September 1, 2021.- “Sidalcea asprella.” USDA Plants Database. Available at https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SIAS2. Accessed September 1, 2021.
