Common mallow, high mallow, mauve des bois, mauve sauvage, grande mauve
Malva sylvestris
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Edible leaves and young fruits, used in salads or cooked as a potherb. Mucilaginous properties make it useful as a soothing tea for coughs and digestive ailments. Attracts pollinators. Can be used as a ground cover and green manure.
Permapeople description
Malva sylvestris is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to Europe, North Africa and Asia.
Botanical description
Malva sylvestris is a herbaceous, biennial or perennial plant that typically grows up to 1 meter tall. The stems are erect or ascending, often branched. The leaves are alternate, rounded, and palmately lobed, with crenate margins. The flowers are showy, typically pink or purple with darker veins, and have five petals. They are borne in clusters in the leaf axils. The fruit is a schizocarp, consisting of several mericarps that separate at maturity. It is a widespread species found in temperate regions.
Companion planting
Generally a beneficial companion plant, attracting pollinators and providing ground cover. May compete with smaller plants if allowed to spread excessively. No well-known detrimental companions.
Propagation methods
Seed sowing in spring or autumn. Cuttings can be taken in spring. Division of established plants in spring or autumn.
History and traditions
Common mallow has a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was used for its emollient, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, it has been used to treat coughs, sore throats, digestive problems, and skin irritations. It has also been used as a food source in times of scarcity.
Usage calendar
Flowering: May to September. Harvesting leaves: Spring to Autumn. Planting: Spring or Autumn. Seed Collection: Late Summer to Autumn. Pruning: After flowering to encourage bushier growth.