Fauna
Plant

Scarlet Rosemallow

Hibiscus coccineus

Also known as Texas Star, Brilliant Hibiscus, Scarlet Hibiscus, Star of Texas

Scarlet rosemallow commands attention in southeastern wetlands with brilliant crimson blossoms up to fifteen centimeters wide. Its deeply lobed, palmately divided leaves strongly resemble cannabis foliage, though its smooth green stems die back to the ground each winter. Ruby-throated hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies rely heavily on its abundant summer nectar.

FloweringWetlandShowy
Scarlet Rosemallow reference1 / 7
Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil nutrients
Predators
  • Deer
  • Japanese beetles
  • Sawfly larvae
ThreatsWetland destruction, invasive species, severe drought
HabitatsSwamps, marshes, wet ditches, riverbanks
Life spanPerennial (5–10+ years)
Classification
  1. OrderMalvales
  2. FamilyMalvaceae
  3. GenusHibiscus
  4. SpeciesHibiscus coccineus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing: Search for vivid crimson flowers in sunny southeastern wetlands from midsummer to early autumn.
  • Gardening: Provide full sun and constantly moist, fertile soil for maximum flower production.
  • Pollinator Watching: Observe hummingbirds feeding at the prominent central staminal column during warm afternoons.
Related species
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