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Malvaceae Family - "Rose mallow, Halberd Mallow, Mallow Rose, Water Mallow, Swamp Mallow (not to be confused with marsh mallow)"
Hibiscus is from the old Greek and latin names for a type of large mallow. Militaris from the latin meaning "soldierly", most likely for the plants erect and imposing appearance; possibly for the halberd -shaped leaves.
One of the most spectacular of the woodland species due to its size and color; the petals can reach 3 inches in length. The pink to cream colored blossoms have a deep purple blotch at the base making the center of the flower appear much darker than it actually is.
No medicinal or food uses reported.
H. militaris belongs to the same family as cotton, hollyhocks (remember how Grandma made dolls from hollyhock flowers?), okra, rose of sharon and several other hibiscus species.
