Clustered Poppy-mallow (Callirhoe triangulata)

Life history

Species overview

Clustered Poppy-mallow (Callirhoe triangulata), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in sand terrace prairies. Blooming occurs early July through late September; fruiting occurs early August through late September. The optimal identification period for this species is early July through late September.

Synonyms: Malva triangulata

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: Each flower stalk bears several flowers, with each flower having 3 leaf-like bracts at its base; leaves triangular with rounded teeth.
• Flower characteristics: Heads several, short-stalked, borne on the ends of longer branches; flowers subtended by 3 leaf-like bracts; petals 5, red to bright pink, each 16 to 32 mm long and with a white spot at the base.
• Fruit characteristics: Mature carpels rounded or short-beaked, hairy but not rugose; seed 1.
• Leaf characteristics: Triangular to heart-shaped and edged with rounded teeth; lower leaves with long petioles; upper leaves tending to be much narrower.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology: early July through late September
• Fruiting phenology: early August through late September
• Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is early July through late September

Other

• Growth form: Forb-erect
• Vegetative reproduction:
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Comments: Associated Species: Amorpha canescens, Andropogon scoparius, Stipa spartea, Euphorbia corollata, Carex muhlenbergii, Quercus velutina.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Clustered Poppy-mallow (Callirhoe triangulata). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

• Habitat description: Found in sand terrace prairies.
• Soils: Sandy soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Clustered Poppy-mallow. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Clustered Poppy-mallow. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

• Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.
• Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes in open sandy areas dominated by native grasses.
• Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

• Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial (dependent on local site conditions).
• Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.

Other resources

Links to additional Clustered Poppy-mallow information

Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)

• Wisconsin Flora
• NatureServe Explorer
• Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
• USDA - NRCS Plants Database
• USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
• eFloras
• Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
• Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
• Orchids of Wisconsin

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use