Texas Poppy-mallow (Callirhoe scabriuscula)

TPWD ©

Texas Status: Endangered
U.S. Status: Endangered, Listed 1/13/1981
Description: Like the common winecup, the Texas poppy-mallow has deep red to purple cup-shaped flowers. You can tell the Texas poppy-mallow from the winecup because the stems are stiffly erect and thick as a pencil. Also, the leaves of Texas poppy-mallow have broad, irregularly-shaped lobes. It grows to a height of 2 1/2 feet or taller.
Life History: The poppy-mallow usually blooms from May to June. Bees use the flowers for nectar, pollen, and shelter, and help the plants reproduce by spreading pollen between plants. The flowers open each morning 2-3 hours after sunrise and close right before sunset. Within 30-90 minutes after pollination, the flowers close forever. If not pollinated, flowers continue to open each morning for 6-8 days.
Habitat: The Texas poppy-mallow grows only in wind-blown, river-deposited deep sands near the upper Colorado River.
Distribution: This wildflower is found in Coke, Mitchell, and Runnels counties in the Rolling Plains of Texas.
Other: It is endangered because of habitat loss due to farming, pasture planting, sand mining, and urban development. Because it has such beautiful flowers, the poppy-mallow is threatened by people picking the flowers or collecting plants for their garden. If you see this plant, don't pick the flowers or disturb the area where it is growing. Take a picture instead!