Bush's Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe bushii)

Bush's poppy mallow is a rare Callirhoe species that has been extirpated across our state due to fire suppression, lack of pollination, and habitat destruction. Thrives on the edges of woodlands and prairies. This species is highly adapted to calcareous oak savannas. The species was first split up from C. involucrata in 1909 however, due to the similarities, it was not fully recognized until recently. You can distinguish it from C. involucrata by looking at the distance of the bracts and the calyx. C. bushii will have a 1 to 3mm gap. It makes a stunning border and supports many rare insects such as the Winecup Agrilus (Agrilus muticus).

Hosts

Pyrgus communis (Checkered Skipper)