Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus

flower · leaf

Mucilaginous mauve or white flowers, in salads or tea, and young leaves cooked.

Origin

China and Korea

Where to find it

Planted everywhere as a hedge in gardens, from Korea to Europe; in Korea, it is seen along every road.

Season (United States)

July to September

Preparation

The flowers are picked in the morning, just open, stripped of their green base and eaten raw; the young leaves are cooked for a few minutes, like spinach.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Mucilages

Did you know?

It is South Korea's national flower, the mugunghwa, “the eternal flower”.