Low poppymallow
Callirhoe involucrata
Synonyms: Sesquicella involucrata, Malva involucrata
Western Herbalism Properties
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Botanical Description
Callirhoe involucrata, the low poppymallow or purple poppymallow, is a sprawling perennial herb of the Malvaceae native to the central United States. From a stout, deep, carrot-like taproot it sends out trailing, much-branched stems 30-100 cm long that hug the ground, rooting only at the base. The alternate leaves are long-petiolate and palmately divided into five to seven narrow, deeply cut lobes, 3-8 cm across, sparsely hairy and somewhat greyish-green. Solitary, upward-facing, cup-shaped flowers 4-7 cm across are produced on long peduncles from late spring into autumn; the five obovate petals are a striking magenta to wine-red, often with a small white spot at the base. A three-bracted involucel subtends each calyx, giving the species its epithet. The numerous stamens form a central column typical of the family. Fruits are flattened schizocarps splitting into many wedge-shaped mericarps. It grows on prairies, rocky slopes, and open roadsides.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
The Dakota employed the deep root of low poppymallow medicinally: a decoction of the root was taken internally for pains within the body, and smoke from the burning dried root was used to bathe aching parts of the body; smoke from the root was also inhaled as a remedy for head colds (Gilmore, 1919). Among the Kiowa, the showy flowers were valued for their beauty and used decoratively rather than medicinally (Vestal and Schultes, 1939).
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.