How to identify a hibiscus plant

What the ASPCA lists for cats and dogs

The ASPCA's hibiscus entry lists Hibiscus syriacus, also called rose of Sharon and rose of China, in the family Malvaceae, as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA's separate rose of Sharon entry gives the same classification for the same species.

That listing is the ASPCA's classification for one species, not a guarantee. Both entries name Hibiscus syriacus, not tropical Chinese hibiscus or rose mallow,.

What to do:

• Cat or dog chewed hibiscus: call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (the ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply).
• A person swallowed leaves or other parts: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 in the US, or NHS 111 in the UK; in an emergency, 911 or 999.

Plant Identifier's Toxicology tool gives AI-written notes for people, dogs and cats once the plant is named, but it does not replace the vet or poison-control call. The poisonous plants for dogs guide lists common plants that are on the ASPCA's toxic list.

Tropical vs hardy hibiscus: Chinese hibiscus, rose of Sharon and rose mallow

Chinese hibiscus. NC State describes a tropical, evergreen shrub native to Asia, 4 to 10 feet high, that needs protection from wind and frost. Outside frost-free areas it is grown in a large container or as a houseplant in bright light. NC State notes it is sensitive to change, and moving the plant can cause leaves and buds to drop.

Rose of Sharon. NC State's rose of Sharon page describes a rapidly growing, large deciduous shrub or small tree native to south China and Taiwan, 8 to 12 feet tall, with an erect, spreading habit and upright branches. Its quick ID hints are large, tropical-looking, 5-petaled flowers, 3-lobed coarsely toothed leaves and a 5-valved capsule that persists through winter. NC State says spring pruning encourages flowers on new growth.

Rose mallow. NC State's rose mallow page describes a tall, shrub-like perennial native to wetlands and creek edges, ranging from southeastern Canada through the central and eastern US to northeastern Mexico. Flowers of 6 to 8 inches in white, pink, red or burgundy carry a contrasting red or burgundy eye and a creamy white to pale yellow column. Stems are cut back nearly to the ground in fall and regrow in spring, which is why the plant vanishes in winter. NC State now files it under the genus name Muenchhusia in its attributes.

Hibiscus vs flowering maple (Abutilon)

Flowering maple is the shrub most often mistaken for a small hibiscus, and the two are related. NC State's Abutilon page describes tropical, frost-tender shrubs in the mallow family whose flowers also have five petals and stamens fused into a tubular column.

The difference is in the posture and the leaves:

• Flowers. Abutilon flowers hang down singly from the leaf axils, bell- or cup-shaped, with petals about 2 inches long. Hibiscus flowers face outward or upward and open wide.
• Leaves. Abutilon leaves are maple-like and lobed, often variegated with gold, which gives the plant its common name. Chinese hibiscus leaves are glossy and unlobed; rose of Sharon leaves are 3-lobed but small and dark green.
• Size. NC State says flowering maple grows 8 to 10 feet in tropical areas but 2 to 4 feet in colder places, where it is grown in containers and brought indoors for winter.

Invasive status. NC State says rose of Sharon has been reported to be invasive in some states, including Virginia and Kentucky. Rules differ by state, province and country, so check your local agency before planting it near woodland or wetland edges.