For many years, I have observed a rural area in Calhoun Co. (Texas) which has an unusual tall apparently-native hibiscus, but never could find it listed in any of the wildflower books, nor growing anywhere else. Recently, though, I've been able to identify it as Hibiscus striatus var. lambertinanus (photo attached). Located along Hwy 35 as it passes through the Guadalupe River delta marshes, this species grows and develops into thickets. It it tall and straggly (often 10' high), with thick almost-woody stems and a tough knot of roots, but with a pretty bloom. In this area, only the tops seems to freeze back each winter. It has small sharp points on the stems, and is covered (especially dried seed pods) with a coarse hair that sticks into your skin like tiny porcupine quills. It has never impressed me as a garden plant due to its tall straggly habit and spiny hairs, but may have use for erosion control in brackish water areas or as a wetland plant. Considered a native of central and south America, there may be horticultural selections there that are more tame. More can be learned at this link:
http://www.wildflower.org/plan...
... or the USDA link:
http://plants.usda.gov/core/pr...
