August Native Plant of the Month

Scarlet Rosemallow (Muenchhusia coccinea) is a stunning addition to your Florida yard - provided you have the right conditions. Considered a swamp mallow, this beauty needs moisture to thrive. In the wild, you will find them alongside swamps, lakes, ponds, and ditches. they have large red flowers resembling tropical hibiscus. In fact, until recently they were classified as Hibiscus coccinea and are often called scarlet hibiscus.

Plants are a larval source for Grey hairstreak, Painted lady, and skipper butterflies as well as several moth species. They also attract hummingbirds. Most importantly, they are the host plant for the native Rose-mallow bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis).