Low poppymallow
StarCallirhoe involucrata
Synonyms: Sesquicella involucrata, Malva involucrata
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
The Dakota employed the deep root of low poppymallow medicinally: a decoction of the root was taken internally for pains within the body, and smoke from the burning dried root was used to bathe aching parts of the body; smoke from the root was also inhaled as a remedy for head colds (Gilmore, 1919). Among the Kiowa, the showy flowers were valued for their beauty and used decoratively rather than medicinally (Vestal and Schultes, 1939).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Callirhoe involucrata, the low poppymallow or purple poppymallow, is a sprawling perennial herb of the Malvaceae native to the central United States. From a stout, deep, carrot-like taproot it sends out trailing, much-branched stems 30-100 cm long that hug the ground, rooting only at the base. The alternate leaves are long-petiolate and palmately divided into five to seven narrow, deeply cut lobes, 3-8 cm across, sparsely hairy and somewhat greyish-green. Solitary, upward-facing, cup-shaped flowers 4-7 cm across are produced on long peduncles from late spring into autumn; the five obovate petals are a striking magenta to wine-red, often with a small white spot at the base. A three-bracted involucel subtends each calyx, giving the species its epithet. The numerous stamens form a central column typical of the family. Fruits are flattened schizocarps splitting into many wedge-shaped mericarps. It grows on prairies, rocky slopes, and open roadsides.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Low poppymallow.
No notes yet.