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Native Plant Database

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Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfortroot)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Hibiscus aculeatus Walt.

Comfortroot, Big thicket hibiscus, Pineland hibiscus

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

USDA Symbol: hiac

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Valued for its attractive flowers, this small-statured mallow blooms in summer and fall. Its flowers are cream colored with a dark red center, the petals appearing pleated with scalloped edges. In moist garden soil, it can live up to 6 years and attain a height of up to 6 bushy feet, though 3 feet is more common.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Flower: Flowers 2 to 4 inches
Fruit: Tan 1 inch
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Bloom Notes: A creamy yellowish white with deep, dark red center

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , TX
Native Distribution: North Carolina to east Texas and Arkansas, mostly in coastal areas and along rivers
Native Habitat: Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs, Woodland edges and openings
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy, Acid-based
Conditions Comments: Tolerates winter flooding

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Showy, Blooms ornamental
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Maintenance: Cut to the ground after frost

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Hibiscus aculeatus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Hibiscus aculeatus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hibiscus aculeatus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-01-31
Research By: TWC Staff

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