Swamp Rose Mallow Hibiscus

Significance of Name

Its common is swamp rose mallow hibiscus, and its scientific name is hibiscus moscheutos. There are a bunch of different types of hibiscuses so it's important to the specific name of each since they have different uses and history.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Hibiscus

My Connection

My mom and dad both love hibiscuses. My mom had a hibiscus tree for 5 years. She would keep it outside during late spring, all of summer, and early fall. Then would it would start getting cold, she would bring it inside. During the summer we would sit on the balcony and hummingbirds would come drink the nectar from the hibiscuses. I've always loved hummingbirds so it was cool to see them up close. My dad didn't have a hibiscuses until like 3 years ago but before that he had a hummingbird feeder so we could see them at our lake house. He eventually made the decision to get hibiscuses at our house so he could see them all the time.

Interesting Facts

Leaf buds and seeds are edible

The seeds are high in protein and starch

Blooms July to September

Can grow up to 7 ft. tall

Importance of Swamp Rose Mallow Hibiscus

This specific hibiscus is native to southern and eastern North America. Shinnecock is the only indigenous tribe that is known to use swamp rose mallow. They used this hibiscus for medical purposes to treat bladder infections. Settlers would also use swamp rose mallow, but they would use it to relieve inflammation and irritation externally. Not only do humans use this hibiscus but pollinators and birds use this plant as well. Birds eat their seeds, and this plant is known to be a nesting sit for the Red Winged Blackbird. Also, hummingbirds drink its nectar. It also produces pollen for butterflies and bees, like the Rose Mallow Bee which can only collect pollen from the swamp rose mallow and morning glories.

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