Amazing Summer Blooms

Hibiscus laevis – Halberd-Leaved Rose-Mallow

Hibiscus laevis, commonly called smooth rose mallow or halberd-leaved rose-mallow, is a Maryland native herbaceous perennial which typically occurs in wet soils along streams, rivers, ponds, sloughs, ditches and swampy areas throughout much of the State. Perhaps most easily distinguished by its three-lobed leaves (to 6″ long) which resemble the shape of the 15th-16th century halberd spear.

Large, 5-petaled, hollyhock-like flowers (to 6″ diameter) with white to pink petals and maroon eyes appear from mid-summer into fall on smooth stout stems rising 4-6′ tall. Each flower has a prominent and showy center staminal column. Host plant to the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis), Pearly Wood Nymph Butterfly (Eudryas unio) and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui).Information from Missouri Botanical Garden.

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