A European species, established as a weed or garden escape. Locally common and colorful along roadsides and railroads, in fields and clearings, on dry or rocky ground. First collected in 1860 in Ingham and Washtenaw Cos. and apparently well established at a number of places throughout the state by the 1880’s.

Both this species and M. alcea are erect perennials with handsome pink or white flowers.