XCommon Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)X
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Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea), family Malvaceae (Mallow)
The records on this genus wildly vary. Per WIKIPEDIA the genus has 60 species, while USDA names 2. Per William Weber in Colorado Flora; Eastern Slope - rosea is the only species of Alcea to be found in Colorado. The colors of rosea vary greatly also, from white to yellow to red and shades in between. Per the website Native American Ethnobotany, this species was used as a drug by the Shinnecock tribe, as a dermatological aid. The leaves used to apply an infusion of the flowers to inflamed areas. The website Plants for a Future has a wealth of information, quote: 'Edible - Young leaves - raw or cooked. A mild flavour, but the texture leaves something to be desired. They have been used as a pot-herb, though they are not particularly palatable. They can also be chopped up finely and added to salads. Inner portion of young stems - raw. Flower petals and flower buds - raw. Added to salads. A nutritious starch is obtained from the root. A refreshing tea is made from the flower petals. The roots and the flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are said to have a sweet, acrid taste and a neutral potency. They are used in the treatment of inflammations of the kidneys/womb, vaginal/seminal discharge, and the roots on their own are used to treat loss of appetite. Other uses from the fibers of the plant are used as follows: Compost; Dye; Litmus; Oil; Paper.' End Quote.
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Plant location: Photographed at GPS coordinates N37?47.358 W107?40.378, elevation 9867', at a lovely campground just outside of Silverton Colorado off Hwy 550 - September 12, 2009. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil. This species is found in almost every state of the United States. It is said to have originated in China and was imported to Europe.Plant -
Bloom season: July to September.Foliage -
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