# Hollyhock (*Alcea rosea*)

Hollyhocks are tall and have large, colorful flowers that bloom in a variety of shades. They bring a vintage charm to gardens!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 7
- **Habitat:** Gardens and along fences
- **Also known as:** Alcea, Garden Hollyhock

![Hollyhock](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424796/objects/4980.jpg)

## Appearance

The Hollyhock is a stately, towering plant known for its dramatic spikes of large, ruffled flowers. These cup-shaped blooms come in a dazzling array of colors including pink, red, white, yellow, and purple, often with contrasting centers. Its sturdy, hairy stems can reach impressive heights.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Malvales
- **Family:** Malvaceae
- **Genus:** Alcea

## Interesting facts

- Did you know some Hollyhocks can grow taller than a basketball player?
- In ancient times, people believed Hollyhock flowers could cure many ailments.
- The name "Hollyhock" might come from "holy mallow," a plant for pilgrims.
- Their beautiful petals can be used to make natural fabric dyes!

## Special abilities

- **Nectar Beacon:** Hollyhock can produce abundant sweet nectar in its open flowers, acting like a beacon to attract hungry bees and butterflies.
- **Seed Shower:** Hollyhock has numerous disk-shaped seeds that readily fall to the ground, helping it spread and grow new plants nearby.
- **Sun Seeker Stems:** Hollyhock can grow incredibly tall with sturdy stems, allowing it to reach for sunlight above shorter garden plants.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 150-270 cm
- **Spread:** 30-60 cm
- **Flower Size:** 5-15 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Biennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — collects nectar and pollen
- **Pollinates:** Painted lady butterfly (*Vanessa cardui*) — sips nectar from the flowers
- **Parasitizes:** Hollyhock rust fungus (*Puccinia malvacearum*) — causes orange spots on leaves
- **Pollinates:** Common eastern bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — gathers nectar and pollen

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Hollyhock?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Hollyhock?

150-270 cm

### How wide does Hollyhock spread?

30-60 cm

### How big are the flowers on Hollyhock?

5-15 cm

### When does Hollyhock bloom?

Summer

### Is Hollyhock edible?

Yes

### Is Hollyhock toxic?

None

### What is Hollyhock's lifecycle?

Biennial

## Where to spot

- [Anderson Japanese Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anderson-japanese-gardens) — Illinois, US · Botanical Garden
- [Clayton Public Schools Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/clayton-public-schools-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District
- [Bickelhaupt Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bickelhaupt-arboretum) — Iowa, US · Botanical Garden
- [Camino del Monte Sol Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/camino-del-monte-sol-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District
- [Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cumbres-and-toltec-scenic-railroad) — New Mexico, US · Historic District
- [Plymouth Pillars Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/plymouth-pillars-park) — Washington, US · Park

[View all places to see Hollyhock](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/hollyhock)

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Hollyhock: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hollyhock)