As summer progresses, so do the flowers on the mountain. The yellow and white blossoms were replaced with blues and purples. Then mid-summer brought out the pinks and reds. The Indian Paintbrush is blooming prolifically right now and since the plants grow in groupings, the red is multiplied and vibrant. By now the progression of blossoms is predictable to me, so I was surprised to find a new flower that I don't remember seeing before. It's blossoms look somewhat like a hollyhock, but the leaves are a much different shape. The flower stalk was nearly as tall as me! I need to find my wildflower book and identify it, but maybe YOU already know and can tune me in! Isn't it beautiful? I found two plants with tall flowered stalks right beside one another. I can see it nowhere else in the woods. A mystery.
The resolution: Globe Mallow (Iliamna rivularis, I. longisepala). Mallow family Malvaceae. Globe mallow is a close relative of hollyhock and hibiscus, a stout perennial of stiffly erect stems, several to a clump.
The resolution: Globe Mallow (Iliamna rivularis, I. longisepala). Mallow family Malvaceae. Globe mallow is a close relative of hollyhock and hibiscus, a stout perennial of stiffly erect stems, several to a clump.
I thought hollyhock, but could it be mallow? Not sure. I think the birds often carry seeds and plant them randomly just to surprise us.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like my mallow; although, my mallow only comes to my waist.
ReplyDeleteLOVELY!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to find a new flower for your area! If you see it go to seed, scatter some by the cabin. I'd love to see Globe Mallow growing all over your mountains.
ReplyDelete