A member of the Mallow family, and related to okra, Hibiscus laevis is easy to distinguish by its interesting, sword-shaped leaves.

Native to North American marshes from Florida to Texas and North through Ontario, Halberdleaf Hibiscus thrives in full sun with rich medium to wet soils. It can tolerate light shade, but there may be reduced flowering. It is well adapted to heat and high humidity as long as there is consistent moisture. Thanks to these features, Halbderdleaf Hibiscus is a great plant for rain gardens. Pair it with Boneset, Joe Pye Weed, and Sedges, which thrive in similar conditions.

Pollinators love this plant, including bumblebees and moths, and many butterfly species use this hibiscus as a host plant, including the Grey Hairstreak.