Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Malvaceae

Genus:

Hibiscus

Species:

Hibiscus moscheutos

USDA Symbol:

HIMO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

240 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

white, pink, red, rose

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers wetlands and marshy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Scarification or soaking in warm water for 24 hours improves germination. Seeds germinate best at 70-75°F.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI