Hibiscus lasiocarpos

rosemallow, wooly rose-mallow
Family

Malvaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Attachment

petiolate

Leaf Margin

crenate, dentate, toothed

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

ovate

Growth Form

forb, shrub, emergent aquatic, aquatic

Flower Color

pink, red, white

Flower Petals

5

Flower Month

June - October

Height (meters)

2.0

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

native

Lifespan

perennial


Wetland Class

OBL

Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism

7

Field Characters

Flowers have a purple center and is the largest. Leaves are alternate, toothed and unlobed. Leaves and stems hairy.

Cultural Information

A wetland species that grows best in moist soil. Plant seeds 1/2 in deep during spring or fall. Seeds persists in open capsules after opening (June to September). It is best to collect capsules before they open and air dry. If capsules are harvested after opening carefully clip to prevent dumping seed and drop into collecting bag. Shake bag vigorously then screen seed in No 18 (1 mm) and a No 10 (2 mm) sieve. If weevils are present, place in plastic bag in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks with a no-pest strip. This species is tolerant of fire and a wide pH range. Seeds average approximately 30,000 seeds/lb. Seed burro screens 12/64 > 0/64 x 3/8.

Animal Use

Seeds eaten by some songbirds.

Habitat

Marshes, floodplains, ditches, streams and along rivers.