☆ a hardy plant (Hibiscus syriacus) of the mallow family, with white, red, pink, or purplish flowers
a plant mentioned in the Bible, variously identified as a tulip, crocus, etc.: S. of Sol. 2:1
Chiefly Brit. a shrubby species (Hypericum calycinum) of Saint-John's-wort, with large yellow flowers
Origin:
after Heb sharon, a district in Israel (see S. of Sol. 2:1), aphetic for yesharon, lit., the plain < yashav, adj., level
See rose of Sharon in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A small eastern Asian tree or tall shrub (Hibiscus syriacus) having large reddish, purple, or white flowers and coarsely toothed leaves. Also called althea.
A shrubby Eurasian evergreen plant (Hypericum calycinum) having oblong leaves and yellow flowers and usually grown as a ground cover. Also called Aaron's beard.