[1][2] The plant is native to the California Coast Ranges in the North Coast and Monterey Bay regions of California,[2] and the Oregon Coast Range in Oregon.

Within California it is a Vulnerable species listed on the California Native Plant Society Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.

[3] Sidalcea malachroides is a perennial herb or subshrub, 4–15 decimetres (16–59 in) tall.

[4] The flowers are head-like spikes, in white or pale purple-white.

The bloom period is April to August.