SafePlants

Tall Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe leiocarpa)

The Tall Poppy Mallow, scientifically known as Callirhoe leiocarpa, is a delightful wildflower native to Texas and other states. It is also known by the common names Winecup, Tall Winecup, Cowboy Rose, and Poppy Mallow. This plant is prized for its attractive flowers and adaptability.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces seeds, which might be attractive to some pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Callirhoe leiocarpa R.F. Martin
• Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
• Genus: Callirhoe Nutt.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the South Central United States, including Texas.
• Found in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Chase County, Kansas.
• Adapted to dry and well-draining soil.

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual plant, typically growing to a height of 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 meters).
• Leaves of Texas poppy-mallow have broad, irregularly-shaped lobes.
• The stems can be mostly procumbent or decumbent, up to 70 cm long.

Ecological Role

• Drought-tolerant.
• A non-woody plant (forb/herb).
• Grows as an annual.

Growth Habits

• Hardy to zone (UK) 6.
• Blooms in August and seeds ripen in September.
• Mature height is 12-24 inches.
• Prefers dry, average, and well-draining soil.

Related Species

• The purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) is also grown as a garden plant and is commonly known as winecups.
• Callirhoe bushii, Bush's Poppy Mallow, is another attractive native wildflower.
• Callirhoe digitata, Fringed Poppy Mallow.

Further Information

• Discover Life page for Callirhoe leiocarpa: Provides information about biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• Encyclopedia of Life: Contains articles and information about Callirhoe leiocarpa.
• Plant Select Winner (Callirhoe involucrata).