The plant is found in swamps, marshes and ditches on the coastal plain of the Southeastern United States.

H. coccineus is a herbaceous perennial (it dies back during the winter) and grows 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) tall.

[4] The palmately compound leaves are 5–6 in (13–15 cm) wide,[5] and look much like those of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.

It features bright scarlet flowers that have five petals and are reminiscent of hollyhock.

[4] The Latin specific epithet coccineus means "coloured or dyed scarlet".