Kosteletzkya pentacarpos aka Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos is a perennial in the mallow family. Gardeners call it coastal mallow or seashore mallow. Its native range spans the eastern United States to Texas. It also includes Bermuda, Cuba, southern Europe, and northern Iran. In the eastern United States, it grows along the coast. Marshes and sites with brackish water provide its home. Plants For A Future also records coastal bogs near the Caspian Sea.

This short-lived plant grows upright and forms a small subshrub. Garden plants reach 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] tall. They spread 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres] wide. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace. Soft, gray-green leaves give the plant a muted look. Their shapes range from egg-shaped to triangular or diamond-shaped. Some leaf edges are smooth, while others have uneven teeth. Fine hairs make the leaves feel rough in places. The gray-green stems also bear hairs and a powdery coating.

Pink, cup-shaped flowers bloom from July through October. Each flower measures about 1.5–3 inches across. Five petals surround yellow stamens on a central tube. Single flowers grow beside leaves or at stem tips. Their nectar draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Brown capsules follow the flowers and show in October and November. Each flat capsule has five chambers, each holding one seed. The long bloom season gives pollinators food into fall.

Grow seashore mallow in full sun and soil that holds moisture. It suits wet ground but also grows in well-drained, moist sites. Sandy soil and soil rich in organic matter suit it. It accepts acidic to neutral soil and some flooding. The plant also tolerates moderate salt levels. North Carolina State lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Its low upkeep suits rain gardens and native plant beds. Use it beside ponds, streams, or ditches with moist soil. North Carolina State reports no major pest or disease problems.

Flowers can go into salads or be used for tea. Leaves are edible raw, though cooking improves their use. Their hairs and fibres can make raw leaves less appealing. Roots are also edible raw or cooked. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for every person or pet. Stem fibres have served as material for string. Seed oil has uses in biofuel, paints, and varnishes.