Iliamna rivularis var. rivularis

This is a perennial wildflower about 2½-6' tall that is either unbranched or sparingly branched. The central stem is light gray-green, densely pubescent, terete, and rather stout. Alternate leaves occur at intervals along this stem. Individual leaves are up to 7" long and 6" across; they are oval-cordate in outline with 3-7 palmate lobes and crenate-dentate margins. Usually the middle lobes of the leaves are larger than the lateral lobes. The upper surface of these leaves is medium green and hairless to sparsely pubescent, while their lower surface is light gray-green and pubescent. The petioles are up to 6" long, light gray-green, and pubescent. Sometimes short secondary stems with small leaves develop from the axils of the leaves on the central stem. Flowers are produced either individually or in clusters of 2-3 from the axils of the leaves along the upper half of each plant. The pedicels of these flowers are rather short (up to ¾" long), light gray-green, and pubescent. Each flower is 1¼-2½" across, consisting of 5 light pink petals (obcordate in shape), 5 light gray-green sepals (ovate in shape) that are joined together at the base, a central reproductive column, and 3 light gray-green floral bracts (linear in shape). Individual sepals are about ½" in length, while individual floral bracts are about the same length; both floral bracts and sepals are short-pubescent. The stamens are located along the outer half of the reproductive column, while the styles are located at its tip. The anthers of the stamens are pale yellow or white. The blooming period occurs during the summer, lasting about 2 months. Individual flowers are short-lived and slightly fragrant. Afterwards, each fertile flower is replaced by a ring of carpels containing the seeds. The carpels are reniform and narrowly wedge-shaped; their outer edges are pubescent. Each carpel contains 2-4 seeds (about 3 mm. in length). The root system consists of a short stout taproot and rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of plants occasionally develop from the rhizomes.

The native Kankakee Mallow has been found only in Kankakee County, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered' (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of rocky riverbanks, woodland edges, open rocky woodlands, and abandoned fields. In all of these habitats within Illinois, the underlying bedrock of the thin soil consists of dolomite. Occasional wildfires are beneficial in maintaining populations of Kankakee Mallow as they stimulate the germination of seeds and reduce competition from woody vegetation. This wildflower has been cultivated successfully in gardens.

Iliamna remota Greene:
United States (North America)

Note: This information is based on publications available through Tropicos and may not represent the entire distribution. Tropicos does not categorize distributions as native or non-native.

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

The native Kankakee Mallow has been found only in Kankakee County, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered' (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of rocky riverbanks, woodland edges, open rocky woodlands, and abandoned fields. In all of these habitats within Illinois, the underlying bedrock of the thin soil consists of dolomite. Occasional wildfires are beneficial in maintaining populations of Kankakee Mallow as they stimulate the germination of seeds and reduce competition from woody vegetation. This wildflower has been cultivated successfully in gardens.

Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this rare wildflower. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various long-tongued and short-tongued bees. White-Tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores readily browse on the foliage. It may be necessary to place wire cages over individual plants in order to protect them from such animals.

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N3 - Vulnerable

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

Rounded Global Status Rank: T5 - Secure

The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions that are well-drained, and soil containing some loam or rocky material. Germination of the seeds requires scarification of the seed coat through mechanical means or by fire. In a dormant state, the seeds can be remain viable for up to 50 years. Cross-pollination with genetically distinct plants is required for the production of viable seeds.