Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Rose Mallow)

Native to the southeastern United States, this is a tall herbaceous perennial of swamps and other wet places. Multiple upright stems carry deeply divided leaves with narrow, pointed lobes. Large flowers have five relatively narrow petals arranged around a long projecting staminal column. Scarlet blooms are typical, while white-flowered forms also occur. Individual flowers last only one day, but successive buds maintain blooming through summer. The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. The aboveground growth dies back seasonally, with new shoots emerging from the perennial base. Photographed in Florida.