A member of the hibiscus family (Hibiscus cannabinus L), it is related to cotton and okra, and grows well in many parts of the U.S. It is being looked at as a way to make paper without cutting trees. Kenaf grows quickly, rising to heights of 10-12 feet in as little as 4 to 5 months. U.S. Department of Agriculture studies show that kenaf yields of 6 to 10 tons of dry fiber per acre per year are generally 3 to 5 times greater than the yield for Southern pine trees, which can take from 7 to 40 years to reach harvestable size. In addition, Kenaf leaves are quite high in protien, from 15% - 35% on new growth, making it an ideal forage plant for ruminants like sheep, goats, cows or deer (protien is too high for horses).

Ok, so you're not making paper or feeding sheep?  Well, how about a fast growing hibiscus that blooms in the fall with a lovely yellow flowers with burgandy centers?  These make excellent plants for hedges, wind blocks for your more tender plants or a block between you and the rest of the world!   These hibiscus will easily reach a height of 10’ in one season and bloom the first year they are planted. You may keep them trimmed back into a hedge or let them grow tall. I suggest trimming them at least a couple of times during they growing season to make them bush out more so you will have more blooms.  The leaves on this variety are deeply lobed, resembling hemp leaves - but the hemp leaves are toothed and have small triangular indentations and hemp leaves are sticky.

Kenaf leaves are also used as human food in some sauces of African and Asian cuisine.

A self-sowing annual, they prefer full sun and sandy soil (but will grow in the shade) – EXCELLENT plant in drought conditions – will grow anywhere with very little care! Don't over water!