About Hibiscus moscheutos L.
Hibiscus moscheutos, commonly known as rose mallow, swamp rose-mallow, crimsoneyed rosemallow, or eastern rosemallow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is a cold-hardy perennial wetland plant that can grow in large colonies. Its leaves are hairy, and while their form varies, they are commonly deltoidal in shape with up to three lobes. This plant grows in wetlands and along river systems in the eastern United States, ranging from Texas to Atlantic coastal states, with its range extending north into southern Ontario. Many naturally occurring forms of this species exist. It is a tall plant, reaching 1.5 to 2.5 metres (4.9 to 8.2 ft) in height, and produces flowers up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) across. Petal colors range from pure white through various shades of pink to deep red, and most flowers have a distinct deep maroon central eye. There is no taxonomic consensus on the formal nomenclature of its multiple proposed subspecies. Its flowers grow at the tips of stems, which differs from the related species Hibiscus laevis, which produces buds and flowers along the length of its stem. In ecology, Hibiscus moscheutos acts as a larval host plant for the common checkered skipper, the gray hairstreak, the Io moth, and the pearly wood nymph. Edible parts of Hibiscus moscheutos include leaf buds, young leaves, flowers, immature seed pods (which can be prepared similarly to okra), seeds, and roots. Its leaves and roots contain mucilage. Tea made from boiled leaves has been used to relieve coughs, sore throats, and digestive inflammation, and these medicinal properties have been used to treat dysentery, lung ailments, and urinary infections. An infusion made from dried stalks has been used to treat bladder infections. The flowers have also been used externally to reduce swelling and pain from bruises and insect stings. Hibiscus moscheutos is a popular garden plant. It can be propagated by seed, by dividing crowns during winter dormancy, and limited success can also be achieved with hardwood stem cuttings. Commercial nurseries have released numerous hybrids developed from native North American Hibiscus species. Both the pure species and its hybrids grown in cultivation are suitable for use in bog gardens or other water features. They are ornamental and provide wildlife value for nectar-feeding animals and birds.
