T r e e s  o f  N o r t h  C a r o l i n a

Hibiscus L. (Malvaceae)

A genus of about 200-300 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs; of tropical to warm temperate areas.

One species reaches tree (or large shrub) size in North Carolina, Hibiscus syriacus (Rose-of-Sharon). It is not native to the state.

Bark of Hibiscus syriacus
Bark of Hibiscus syriacus (Copyright W. Cook)
Twig of Hibiscus syriacus
Twig of Hibiscus syriacus with (deciduous) stipules (Photo: A. Krings, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
Leaves of Hibiscus syriacus
Leaves of Hibiscus syriacus (Copyright W. Cook)
Flower of Hibiscus syriacus
Flower of Hibiscus syriacus (Copyright W. Cook)
Fruit of Hibiscus syriacus
Fruit of Hibiscus syriacus (Photo: A. Krings, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
N.C. distribution of Hibiscus syriacus
N.C. distribution of Hibiscus syriacus

*Hibiscus syriacus (Rose-of-Sharon)
(Uncommon [native of e. Asia]; escaped or persistent after cultivation, often spreading by rhizomes; Mt, Pd, CP; Fl: Jun-Sep, Fr: Aug-Oct)