Hibiscus aculeatus Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Malvaceae

Stems:

Leaves:

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Calyx and involucre.

Fruit.

Flowering – July – September.

Habitat – Disturbed sites, savannahs, wet pinelands, ditches.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive species can be found in the southern 1/4 of Alabama. The plant is easy to identify because of its palmately divided leaves, pale yellow flowers, and rough, stellate pubescence. The hairs of the stems and leaves can be irritating to the skin. The bracts of the involucre are divided at the apex.
The genus name Hibiscus is the old Latin and Greek name for a Marsh Mallow.
The species name aculeatus derives from the Latin “acule(us)” meaning “a sting, thorn” referring to the sharp hairs of the plant.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 8-18-05.