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Saltmarsh Mallow

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos

Other common name(s):

Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow, Virginia Fen-rose, Seashore Mallow

Family:

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

3
to
5
ft.

Spread

3
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Acid, Poor Drainage

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Pruning not necessary, grows by rhizomes. Propagation: Seed, softwood cuttings.

Comments

Blooms June-October. 3-5′ sub-shrub with oval and pointed leaves. Has masses of 3 inch light pink or white hibiscus-like flowers all summer. Flowers dangle downward slightly. Fused central column of stamens are golden with pollen. Lives only 5 years so let some seeds sprout for replacement plants. Pollination: Hummingbirds, butterflies. Larval Host: Painted Lady.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Synonym(s): Kosteletzkya althaeifolia, Kosteletzkya smilacifolia, Kosteletzkya virginica var. althaeifolia, Kosteletzkya virginica var. aquilonia

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 53. 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=KOVI. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=14632&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 5) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Kosteletzkya+virginica&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=845759#null

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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