Hibiscus moscheutos – Swamp Rose Mallow; Crimsoneyed Rose Mallow; Hardy Hibiscus

Edible Qualities: Like many members of the Mallow family, this species is edible. The young leaves and flower buds can be eaten as a potherb, often with a gelatinous or mucilaginous texture. The plant is useful for thickening soups and stews but may be considered slimy and unpleasant for some.

Cultivation Details: Tops can be pinched back during early growth to create more bushy plants. Attracts Butterflies and Bees. A good nectar plant for later in the growing season. Plants are slow to emerge in spring, occasionally not emerging until late June or early July. Works well as a specimen planting, or along a moist border, and does well in low spots or other wet areas, including along streams or ponds. Native to marshes, swamps, riverbanks, moist woods, floodplains, this plant does well in average soils but needs some moisture to thrive. In dry sandy soils, consider adding an organic compost amendment and apply mulch after planting. This species is susceptible to Japanese Beetle damage.