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When we first moved to Akron NY, we found our property had quite a few problematic areas. The top five aces were highly disturbed and stripped to bare soil, while the tree line was choked with non-native exotics and the back five acres were an ash cemetery. Initially we added to the top five acres to diversify the plant material. As we had nearly every growing condition found in Western New York we had a lot to choose from. Swamp Rose Mallow was an obvious choice for a flood- prone area. Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is native to the northeast and loves wet areas. It is a stunning hibiscus with flowers that range from white to ruby red with the classic hibiscus shape. I have had customers mistake it for Rose of Sharon, not native, but swamp rose mallow is a perennial, not a bush but can grow to 5' or more. The Lockport YMCA has lovely patches in the front and back of their property. In late summer the blooms are glorious. |
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,Growing Conditions Rose mallow prefers sun to part shade, moist to wet, slightly acidic soil. The bloom period is quite long in late summer.1 Rose mallow also tolerates clay soil fairly well.2 On our property, rose mallow grows in our front bed along with nannyberry, chokecherry, ironweed, joe pye weed, spicebush, American hophornbeam, sweet shrub and witch hazel. Rose mallow can tolerate road salt so can live along the street. |
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Historical Uses Historically, the Shinnecock tribe (Long Island, New York area) would infuse dried mallow stems for bladder infections.3 Colonists would use it externally for inflammation. As swamp rose mallow is edible the leaf buds and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Young leaves have the gelatinous consistency and the root was used to make marshmallow.4 Swamp rose mallow can be used in permaculture plantings for a rain garden, edible food garden, medicinal garden, or mixed border of a wild or near wild zone. |
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Medicinal Uses Medicinally, swamp rose mallow’s leaves and roots has high in mucilage and have demulcent and emollient properties. They can be used to treat dysentery, lung issues as well as urinary issues.5 The roots, leaves and flowers are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal.6 If you have a seasonally flooded area of your property, consider adding swamp rose mallow. It will not disappoint. |
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