Alternate name: Texas Wax-mallow, Mexican Apple, Manzanilla

Family: Malvaceae, Mallow view all from this family

Description This spreading shrub, often as broad as high, grows 2-3 ft., sometimes reaching 9 ft. Bright-red, pendant, hibiscus-like flowers never fully open, their petals overlapping to form a loose tube with the stamen column protruding.

Habitat Limestone slopes and ledges; moist ravines; stream banks.

Range S.c. Texas and adjacent Mexico, east to Florida, north to Arkansas and South Carolina.

Discussion Especially useful in very shady situations. Can be cut back to make a ground cover. For best results, prune back after a couple years. Drought tolerant.