Hibiscus laevis blooms in large colonies colonies in marshy areas from late July to September. The individual above was photographed at Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area in northwest Indiana early in the morning on August 5, 2001. The area, a partially timbered and seasonally flooded wetland between two rivers is shown in the photograph below.
Charles Deam has commented that this species (then called Hibiscus militaris) often grows where mud has recently been deposited. He suggests that this type of habitat has become more extensive due to human activities that have increased the sediment burdens in rivers and streams.
With its large and showy flowers, this species is a good candidate for the native plant wetland garden. The plants are tall (over two meters) but the foliage is not unattractive.
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