Prepared by Holly J. Bickerton

Virginia Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita) is a tall, distinctive, perennial herb in the mallow family (Malvaceae). The species ranges across eastern North America and is globally rare (G3). It is considered extremely rare within the Great Lakes watershed at the northern edge of its range. There are only two populations known in Canada, both occurring in Ontario where the species has been listed as endangered under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007. One lies in Haldimand County within Taquanyah Conservation Area (CA) and is managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). Another occurs within a licensed quarry and along a gas pipeline corridor in Niagara Region. There have been no documented declines at either location: the population has increased recently at Taquanyah CA, and is believed to be stable at the Niagara Region site.

Virginia Mallow grows in moist riparian areas and in floodplains. It grows in full sun and partial shade, and appears to be tolerant of a wide range of physical and chemical soil conditions. The species has been cultivated in the past and is most often found in disturbed habitats, such as along roadsides and other corridors. Seeds are thought to be dispersed by water. Although some populations throughout the species' range were likely adventive, both Ontario populations are believed to be native.

Virginia Mallow is limited by a narrow habitat preference for riparian and floodplain habitats, which have been developed and altered across eastern North America. In Ontario, dominant threats to Virginia Mallow in Ontario are habitat destruction, competition from non-native invasive species (e.g., European Common Reed) and site maintenance.

The recovery goal for this species is to protect and maintain all extant populations of Virginia Mallow in southern Ontario and to ensure the species' long-term persistence within its current range. Protection and recovery objectives are: to protect extant populations of Virginia Mallow; to regularly assess and report on the species' status at all sites and search suitable habitat for additional populations; to manage sites to reduce threats, and to address knowledge gaps, especially at the northern edge of the species' range. A table outlining specific approaches to achieve the objectives and recovery goal is included in this report.

It is recommended that the area prescribed as habitat in a regulation for Virginia Mallow include the contiguous Ecological Land Classification (ELC) ecosite polygon(s) (Lee et al. 1998) within which the species is found. If a population (including sub-populations) occupies more than one ecosite type, then all contiguous ecosite polygons should be included. Ecosites that are anthropogenic in origin (e.g., cultural meadows and thickets) may be prescribed as habitat. It is recommended that habitat be mapped for all sub-populations of this species, especially if this process engages landowners and land managers in the conservation of the species.