Turk's Cap
© Greg Lavaty
Malvaviscus arborea
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Turk's Cap is a beautiful native plant for the garden with an exceptionally long blooming season. The flowers are small scarlet turbans. It prefers moist soil and partial shade. The plants tend to sprawl if not given support.
- Scientific Name: Malvaviscus arborea
- Common Names: Turk's Cap, Wax Mallow, Bleeding Hearts, Mexican Apple, Manzanita
- Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
- Growth Habit: Shrub
- Height: Typically up to 10 feet. Occasionally much taller.
- Leaves: Heart-shaped, Velvety
- Flowers: Red
- Bloom Time: June through September
- Wildlife Benefits: Hummingbirds love the flowers. Its seeds, encased in bright red fruit-like capsules, are eaten by many species of birds as well as other wildlife.
