Glade Mallow
Glade mallow (Napaea dioica) is a tall, flowering plant native to Wisconsin that can grow anywhere from five to ten feet high. It grows in the moist, rich soils of floodplains, stream edges, and open woodlands, preferring full to partial sunlight. Its large, palmately lobed leaves can reach 18 inches across, giving the plant a lush, almost tropical appearance that stands out in its natural habitat.
The flowers of glade mallow are relatively small—about a third to three-quarters of an inch in diameter—but they are numerous. Each white bloom has five petals and five sepals, and they grow in branched clusters called panicles. Because the plant is dioecious, individual plants bear either male or female flowers. Male blossoms showcase a column of pink-tipped stamens, while female flowers have slender styles atop a rounded ovary. These delicate flowers open with the morning light and close by evening, attracting a variety of pollinators during the blooming season from June through August.
Additionally, glade mallow plays a role in native plant communities. It often forms colonies through its rhizomes, creating dense stands that provide shelter and habitat for wildlife. Female plants produce small, segmented seed clusters called schizocarps, which help propagate the species in favorable conditions. Though hardy in the right setting, Glade mallow is threatened in parts of its range due to habitat loss and reduced wetland areas, making it a candidate for conservation efforts. Gardeners who wish to grow it successfully should mimic its natural environment—offering moisture-retentive soil, ample sunlight, and enough space for its towering stems and generous foliage. (July)