Kankakee Mallow

About Kankakee Mallow

Kankakee Mallow is a rare and majestic perennial that commands attention with its towering height and delicate, hollyhock-like blooms. Reaching upwards of 4 to 8 feet, this stately plant features maple-shaped, light green leaves covered in soft, gray hairs that give the foliage a velvety appearance. From June through July, it produces abundant clusters of 2-inch wide, pale pink to lavender flowers that are a magnet for native bees and butterflies. Originally discovered on an island in the Kankakee River in Illinois, it is one of the rarest plants in North America, thriving in rocky, well-drained soils and open savannas. It is a fire-dependent species, often requiring heat or scarification for its seeds to germinate successfully. In the garden, it prefers full to partial sun and medium-moist soil. Its rapid growth and impressive stature make it an excellent back-of-the-border specimen for conservation-minded gardeners looking to support biodiversity and preserve a piece of botanical history.