Roselle

Sabdariffa gossypiifolia (Mill.) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett

Family: Malvaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

fleshy calyces and flowers (steeped for tea; also wine, jam, juice, jelly, syrup, spice), leaves (eaten as a vegetable)

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

NC State says the calyces or flowers are steeped for tea; no times or amounts are given.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA's Hibiscus page is for Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon) and lists it non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. That is a different species and is not carried to roselle. No ASPCA roselle page was found, and NC State's roselle page has no pet-poison section. Not listed is not the same as safe.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Plants that share its name. To tell them apart: Roselle is Hibiscus sabdariffa (accepted name Sabdariffa gossypiifolia)..

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: NC State's attribute list says USDA 3a to 10b, but its text says a perennial in zones 8 through 11 and a fast annual in zones 3 through 7, so zone 11 appears in the text only.
Water needs: NC State: 'Its deep root system makes this plant quite drought tolerant.' No watering instruction is given.
Mature size: No height or width found.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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