Neches River Rosemallow

Endemic to the open, wetland habitats of the East Texas Pineywoods ecoregion, Neches River Rosemallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx) is a rare wetland perennial associated with sloughs, oxbows, terraces, and sand bars of the Neches River floodplain, Mud Creek, and Tatanbogue Creek. Growing 2 to 8 feet tall in open-canopy wetlands, it produces hundreds of striking white flowers with dark red centers during a rain-dependent bloom in June and July. It is a critical nectar source for specialized pollinators like the Hibiscus bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis) and American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus). Thriving in hydric alluvial or sandy loam soils, the plant is adapted to wetland soils whose surface dries out during summer months.