rose of Sharon

noun

1. Also called althea. a widely cultivated shrub or small tree, Hibiscus syriacus, of the mallow family, having showy white, reddish or purplish flowers.
2. Also called Aar·on's-beard [air, -, uh, nz-beerd, ar, -]. a St.-John's-wort, Hypericum calycinum, having evergreen foliage and showy yellow flowers.
3. a plant mentioned in the Bible.

rose of Sharon

noun

1. Also calledAaron's beard a creeping shrub, Hypericum calycinum , native to SE Europe but widely cultivated, having large yellow flowers: family Hypericaceae
2. Also calledalthaea a Syrian malvaceous shrub, Hibiscus syriacus (or Althaea frutex ), cultivated for its red or purplish flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of rose of Sharon¹

First recorded in 1605–15