Callirhoe involucrata aka Low Poppymallow

Callirhoe involucrata is a perennial wildflower in the mallow family. Gardeners call it purple poppy mallow or winecups. Its native range spans west-central and central parts of the United States. It extends south into northeastern Mexico. It grows on dry plains, rocky prairie ground, and roadsides. Some populations outside this range have spread beyond its native home.

The plant forms a low mound with stems along the ground. Garden plants reach about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall. They can spread to 3 feet [0.91 metres] wide. Green leaves have a rounded outline and five to seven lobes. Coarse teeth edge each leaf. Leaves reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] across. Angular stems range from pale green to dull reddish purple. White hairs cover the stems. A long taproot helps the plant cope with drought. It also makes established plants hard to move.

Single magenta flowers rise above the leaves on thin stems. Each flower forms a cup with five broad petals. The petal bases often show white. A column of stamens stands in the centre. Flowers measure about 0.13–0.21 feet [0.04–0.06 metres] across. Bloom starts in late spring and lasts through summer. Some accounts report flowers continuing into fall. Fruits appear in summer and fall. These schizocarps form a ring of flat, kidney-shaped parts. Each part holds one seed and has a short, hairy beak.

Grow this plant in full sun with good soil drainage. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and shallow rocky soil. Dry to moderately moist conditions suit it. Sources place it in USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Wet soil can cause crown rot, including during winter. Sources report no major insect or disease problems. Plants grow from seed and may seed themselves in gardens. Some plants begin to die back after flowering in late summer.

Its low form suits border fronts, rock gardens, and ground cover. Stems can trail over stone walls or spread through meadows. Flowers draw pollinators, and the plant supports gray hairstreak butterflies. Plants For A Future lists cooked roots and leaves as edible. The roots supply starch, while the leaves can thicken soup. That source reports no known hazards, but gives no pet-safety assessment. It also records traditional root use for pain relief.