Tidal freshwater and oligohaline marshes, tidal swamps, salt scrub, alluvial swamps, floodplain pools and ponds, maritime swamps, interdune ponds and swales, river shores and bars, calcareous marshes, and inland salt marshes; also in impoundments, ditches, and other disturbed wetlands. Common in the coastal Plain; frequent in the piedmont; infrequent in the mountains.
Has huge hollyhock-like flowers of up to 8 inches in diameter in shades of white, pink, red, or burgundy that blooms from midsummer to early fall.
Wildlife value: Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. 28 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant.
Notes: Can be used in container garden in sun or part shade, but requires a large container without drainage holes