SafePlants

Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)

The Purple Poppy Mallow, also known as Wine Cups, is a charming plant often grown in gardens for its vibrant flowers and spreading habit.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has hairy stems.
• It is commonly found in gardens.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has hairy stems.
• It is commonly found in gardens.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Callirhoe involucrata
• Common Names: Purple Poppy Mallow, Wine Cups, Finger Poppy Mallow, Purple Poppymallow, Purple Mallow, Low Poppy Mallow
• Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
• Order: Malvales
• Synonyms: C. lineariloba, Malva involucrata

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, specifically the central United States and Mississippi.
• Frequently found in dryish, rocky soils in prairies, fields, and along roadsides.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Low-growing perennial with a large taproot.
• Forms a spreading mat, reaching up to 3 feet wide but remains under a foot in height.
• Stems are trailing and hairy, extending up to 30 inches.
• Rounded, hairy leaves are deeply lobed and cleft.
• Showy, cup-shaped flowers in shades of crimson-purple, cherry-red, or magenta with white centers.

Uses

• Native Americans used the taproot.
• Excellent rock garden plant or low growing ground cover.
• Ideal for difficult slopes, banks, and other soils needing quick coverage.
• Used as a groundcover in borders, edging, native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, and rock gardens.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is also known as "Wine Cups" due to its flowers resembling the shape of a wine glass.
• A pure white variety was discovered on the Southern Great Plains and named after "Logan Calhoun."

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Monrovia
• Dave's Garden