Plot & PetalField ManualAll plants
Hollyhock
Alcea rosea
Family: MalvaceaeOrigin: Turkey and western Asia
- Cottage Garden Classic
- Tall Spike Flower
Pet & Human Safety
People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
People: not researched yet.
Non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA, with NC State Extension's own database independently reaching the same conclusion: a case where two authoritative sources agree cleanly on "safe."
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonCare
- Hardiness zones
5a - 9b (NC State Extension)
- Mature size
Grows 5-8 ft tall; space plants 12 in to 3 ft apart.
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
Get the app: coming soonAnatomy & Guilds
Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonField Doctor
Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonVintage Plates
Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
Get the app: coming soon