Hibiscus moscheutos (Rose Mallow)

Native to North America, this is a woody-based herbaceous perennial associated with wetlands and creek edges. Several sturdy stems carry oval to lance-shaped leaves, with pale hairy undersides. Large flowers spread broad white to pink petals around a contrasting dark central eye and a projecting staminal column. Blooming commonly extends from midsummer into early autumn. Short-beaked oval seed capsules develop after flowering. Fresh shoots return from its perennial base. Its flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators, while the foliage feeds butterfly and moth caterpillars. Photographed in Peru.