Marcus, Joseph A.
Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) K. Presl ex Gray
Virginia saltmarsh mallow, Virginia fen-rose, Seashore mallow, Salt Marsh-mallow
Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
A coarse, hairy
perennial, Virginia fen-rose or seashore mallow is much-branched and angular in habit. A large plant with pink, terminal or
axillary, stalked flowers with yellow stamens. It grows 3-5 ft. tall and spreads to 4 ft. in width. Its leaves are triangular-ovate with triangular lobes at the base. The hibiscus-like flowers are light pink and 3 in. across with a central column of yellow stamens.
This Mallow is especially abundant in southern Louisiana. It is distinguished from
Hibiscus by the flat ring of
fruit segments.
K. altheaeifolia, found on east coast of Texas, is recognized by some botanists as separate species; others regard it as a variety of
K. virginica.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Subshrub Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Complexity: Simple Breeding System: Flowers
Bisexual Size Notes: Normally 4 to 6 feet at maturity, which it reaches in about 5 years. Once its reached this height, its life is nearing its end, as it only lives about 5 years.
Leaf: Grayish green
Flower: Flowers 2 inches wide.
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Flowers close at night.
Distribution
USA: AL , DE , FL , GA , LA , MD , MS , NJ , NY , NC , PA , SC , TX , VA
Native Distribution: Coastal areas from MD to FL to TX to Cuba
Native Habitat: Brackish marshes; coastal plains; swamps
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2) , Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: Low
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Prefers sand, but will tolerate clay. Moderately salt tolerant, though does best with high acidity.
Conditions Comments: Seashore mallow adapts to less saline soils. The plant grows in brackish, swampy conditions, shallow standing water, or regular garden soil.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Great for color in late summer through fall.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds , Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal
Last Update: 2009-01-31
