Hibiscus aculeatus, commonly known as comfortroot or pineland hibiscus, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the southeastern United States, specifically from Texas to South Carolina. It is typically found in wetland habitats such as bogs, ditches, savannas, and pine flatwoods, which are characterized by moist, acidic soils and periodic flooding. The plant reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) and spreads 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) wide. Comfortroot features large, showy flowers with cream to white petals and a prominent dark red center, blooming from late spring to early fall. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, particularly bumblebees.

In cultivation, comfortroot is valued for its striking flowers and its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens, water margins, and other moist areas. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil. While it is not commonly used in traditional garden settings, its ecological importance and unique appearance make it a noteworthy addition to native plant gardens and restoration projects. Gardeners should be aware that it may spread through self-seeding, and in some areas, it can be aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0