Swamp Rose Mallow, Crimsoneyed rosemallow, Wild Cotton, Common Rosemallow, Eastern Rosemallow, Swamp

Hibiscus moscheutos

Physical Characteristics

Hibiscus moscheutos is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Massachusetts to Michigan, south to Alabama, Georgia and Florida,

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Although there are no reports of edibility for this species, most of the plants in this family have edible leaves and flowers[K]. The flowers are about 15cm in diameter[233], though in some cultivars they are up to 25cm in diameter[260]. They have a mild flavour and somewhat mucilaginous texture with a slight bitterness in the aftertaste[K]. The leaves are rather bland and are also mucilaginous, but have a slight hairiness to them which detracts a little from the pleasure of eating them[K].

Medicinal Uses

Demulcent Dysentery Emollient Urinary The leaves and roots abound in mucilage[222]. Like many other plants in this family, they are demulcent and emollient and are used in the treatment of dysentery, lung ailments and urinary ailments[222]. an infusion of the dried stalks has been used in the treatment of inflammation of the bladder[257].

Known Hazards

None known