Purple Poppy Mallow
(Callirhoe involucrata)

Plant Characteristics

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Callirhoe involucrata grows best in full sunlight with little to moderate watering. It requires very little maintenance.


Growth Habit/Description:

Low foliage mound from 6-9" tall, spreading along the ground to about 3' wide, although our purple poppy mallow doesn't have very many leaves, being a small plant. Leaves are palmately divided into 5-7 lobes. Singular cup shaped magenta flowers with five petals grown on thin stems above the foliage.


Bloom Season:

Magenta flowers bloom from May to August, but sometimes appear in a pink or red color.


Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes.  Its leaves turn gold or orange in fall and copper-brown in winter. Flower panicles appear in late summer.


Distribution

Habitat: Native to many states across the US, it is most common in southern central America. Purple Poppy Mallow is found on dry sites such as edges of glades and upland prairies. It often shows up after disturbance events.

Native to Arkansas?  Yes

Native to Garland County?  Yes

Endemic to Arkansas? No

Ecological Value

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  it can be a host plant for the caterpillars of the gray hairstreak, checked skipper, and painted lady butterflies


Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   The Purple Poppy Mallow is commonly visited by bees, as they are the primary pollinators. The foliage and roots are a common food source for deer, rabbits, and even ground hogs, especially in winter or early spring.

Other Interesting Facts

Origin of Name:  

Callirhoe originates from the Greek word "Kalliroi", Callirhoe being the Latin spelling. This word means beautiful flowering. Involucrata, the species name, refers to the involucre - green, leaf-like structures just below the flower.


Related Plant Species:  Mallow flowers' most significant feature are their  filaments, united into a tube surrounding the style. This family consists of hibiscus, cotton, and okra!  


Use For Food/Medicine:

Purple Poppy Mallow is found on dry sites such as edges of glades and upland prairies. It often shows up after disturbance events.

 Native Americans used the root of this plant as a pain killer, the smoke from a burning root was inhaled for head colds, and the plant is still often used for making teas, thickening soups, and general flavoring, with a taste similar to sweet potato.


References