Poppy Mallow, Purple poppymallow, Winecup, Finger Poppy Mallow

Callirhoe involucrata

Physical Characteristics

Callirhoe involucrata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Central N. America - Minnesota and Iowa to Texas, Utah and New Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[2, 105, 161, 177]. The root is long and tapering[2], it is sweet and starchy with a pleasant taste somewhat like that of a sweet potato[183]. Leaves - cooked. A pleasant flavour with a mucilaginous texture, they are good for thickening soups[183].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne A decoction of the root is used to treat internal pain[61, 222, 257]. The root was also dried, then burnt and the smoke either inhaled or allowed to bathe the affected part of the body[222, 257].

Known Hazards

None known