Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Malvales>Malvaceae>Hibiscus syriacus L.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) leaves

Rose-of-Sharon, also known as Althea, is a commonly planted ornamental large shrub or small tree that often escapes from cultivation, though usually only in the immediate vicinity of the parent plant. It also spreads by underground rhizomes (runners). In North Carolina it is occasional throughout the state, most common in suburban settings.

The native range of Rose-of-Sharon includes China and India; it was mistakenly named for Syria, where it is not native.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) leaves

Rose-of-Sharon leafs out in late spring, well after most other deciduous shrubs.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flower

An unfurling flower.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flower

A fully open flower. Flowers appear in mid-summer. Flower color varies from white to pink to lavender, but with almost always with a deep red base.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flower

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flower

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flower buds

Flower buds.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flower bud

Opening flower bud and capsule just starting development.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) capsule

Developing capsule with decomposing flower remnant still attached.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) bark

The bark is pale gray and somewhat rough. Branching is alternate.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) bark

Bark of a larger stem.

Durham, NC 7/17/10.

More information:
University of Connecticut
Wikipedia

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