Glade Mallow (Napea dioica)
Napaea dioica, commonly known as Glade Mallow, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, floodplains, riverbanks, and lowland thickets, primarily in northern Illinois and parts of the Upper Midwest. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for wetland edges, rain gardens, and moist native plantings.
This striking plant can grow 3 to 9 feet tall and features large, deeply lobed, maple-like leaves with a rough texture. In early to mid-summer, it produces numerous five-petaled, white to pale pink flowers arranged loosely along branching stems. Glade Mallow is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants, so both are needed for seed production.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Napaea dioica is a rare and ornamental species that brings vertical interest and pollinator support to moist landscapes. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and pairs well with companions like Joe-Pye Weed, Swamp Milkweed, and Blue Flag. Its bold form and soft blooms make it a standout in conservation plantings and naturalized rain gardens.
Napaea dioica, commonly known as Glade Mallow, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, floodplains, riverbanks, and lowland thickets, primarily in northern Illinois and parts of the Upper Midwest. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for wetland edges, rain gardens, and moist native plantings.
This striking plant can grow 3 to 9 feet tall and features large, deeply lobed, maple-like leaves with a rough texture. In early to mid-summer, it produces numerous five-petaled, white to pale pink flowers arranged loosely along branching stems. Glade Mallow is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants, so both are needed for seed production.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Napaea dioica is a rare and ornamental species that brings vertical interest and pollinator support to moist landscapes. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and pairs well with companions like Joe-Pye Weed, Swamp Milkweed, and Blue Flag. Its bold form and soft blooms make it a standout in conservation plantings and naturalized rain gardens.
Napaea dioica, commonly known as Glade Mallow, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, floodplains, riverbanks, and lowland thickets, primarily in northern Illinois and parts of the Upper Midwest. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for wetland edges, rain gardens, and moist native plantings.
This striking plant can grow 3 to 9 feet tall and features large, deeply lobed, maple-like leaves with a rough texture. In early to mid-summer, it produces numerous five-petaled, white to pale pink flowers arranged loosely along branching stems. Glade Mallow is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants, so both are needed for seed production.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Napaea dioica is a rare and ornamental species that brings vertical interest and pollinator support to moist landscapes. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and pairs well with companions like Joe-Pye Weed, Swamp Milkweed, and Blue Flag. Its bold form and soft blooms make it a standout in conservation plantings and naturalized rain gardens.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: depressions along railroads; low areas along streams; openings in floodplain forests; river-bottom prairies; soggy thickets; terraces along rivers
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 9 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to full sun
Soil: loam or silt-loam with decaying organic matter