Keck's Checkerbloom
(Sidalcea keckii )
Malvaceae

Photo Copyright 2000 Chuck Peck

Description: Annual herb 6 - 14 inches (1.5-3.5dm) tall, covered with bristly, star-like hairs. Lower leaves 5/8 - 1 inch (1.5-2.5cm) wide, and shallowly lobed, 7-9 times, each with 3-5 toothed edges. Upper leaves more deeply lobed, with leaf stems 3/4 - 1 3/4 inches (2-4.5cm) long. Inflorescence has few flowers. The calyx is 5/16 - 3/8 inch (8-11mm) long, with linear to spear-shaped lobes. Petals are rose colored, 3/8 - 3/4 inches (1-2cm) long.

Distribution:

Habitat: Grassy slopes. Elevation 384 - 1360 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - May.

Similar Plants:

Status: Federal Endangered, California Native Plant Society List 1B