Common mallow Malva sylvestris
ABOUT
Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, is a species showcasing a rich tapestry of greenery and vibrant flowers. It features heart-shaped leaves that are deeply lobed, and its surface is often velvety to the touch. Arranged spirally on the stems, the foliage forms an attractive backdrop to its flowers, which exhibit a distinct charm. The blossoms of the common mallow are typically a striking shade of pink with darker stripes radiating from the center, resembling delicate veins. Each flower has five rounded petals that overlap slightly, creating a cup-like shape. At the center of the bloom, the stamens form a column, projecting outwards from the darker centers. These stamens carry the pollen, crucial for the reproduction of the plant. The flowers have a subtle yet pleasing floral scent and are known to attract an array of pollinators. In addition to the eye-catching flowers, the plant also produces fruit. These are shaped like a round, flat disc, which is commonly referred to as a "cheese-wheel" due to its appearance resembling a miniature wheel of cheese. The common mallow's seeds are contained within these fruit, ready to be dispersed to continue the life cycle of this enchanting plant. The overall appearance of the common mallow is one of rustic beauty, contributing both color and structure to its natural habitat. It is a plant that adds a touch of wildness and an array of soft hues to gardens and wild spaces alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Common Mallow, High Mallow, Tall Mallow, Blue Mallow, Cheese-flower, Cheese-cake, Pick-cheese, Round Dock, Country-mallow, Wild Mallow, Wood Mallow, Tree Mallow.
Common names
Malva ambigua, Malva erecta, Malva mauritiana, Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana, Malva vulgaris.
ToxicityTo humans
Common mallow, or Malva sylvestris, is generally considered non-toxic to humans and has been used historically in various forms of traditional medicine and cooking. However, like with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause adverse reactions in some people. Ingesting large quantities could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other symptoms due to the plant's high mucilage content.
To pets
Common mallow, or Malva sylvestris, is not known to be toxic to pets either. However, as with any plant, individual animals may have sensitivities, and overconsumption could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always prudent to monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from eating ornamental foliage.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible parts: Leaves, flowers, and seeds of Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, are edible raw or cooked, providing a mild, pleasant flavor in various culinary preparations.
- Nutrition: Common mallow is a source of vitamins and minerals, prominently vitamin C and A, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Ornamental value: With its attractive flowers and hearty growth, common mallow is used in garden designs to provide aesthetic value through its vibrant purple-pink blooms.
- Drought tolerance: Common mallow is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens in arid climates.
- Soil improvement: As a deep-rooted plant, common mallow can help improve soil structure and fertility by drawing up nutrients from deep within the soil profile.
- Support for wildlife: It serves as a food source for various insects, including butterflies and bees, thus promoting biodiversity and supporting pollinator populations.
- Erosion control: Common mallow can help prevent soil erosion with its root system stabilizing the ground, making it useful in sloped areas and along waterways.
- Companion planting: When planted alongside other crops, common mallow can attract beneficial insects, potentially reducing the need for chemical pest control in gardens and fields.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, has been traditionally used to alleviate inflammation.
- Mucilage properties: The leaves and flowers contain high mucilage content which can soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes.
- Sore throat relief: It is often used in gargles to relieve sore throats due to its demulcent effects.
- Wound healing: Topical applications of common mallow have been associated with aiding in the healing of wounds.
- Mild laxative: It has been used to help relieve constipation due to its gentle laxative effect.
- Diuretic effects: Common mallow may promote increased urine production, aiding in the flushing of the urinary tract.
- Antioxidant properties: The presence of flavonoids in the plant suggests antioxidant activity, which helps in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, can be used to produce a range of purple and green hues suitable for dyeing fabrics.
- In salads and as a garnish: The leaves and flowers of common mallow are edible and can add a mild, pleasant flavor and a decorative touch to salads.
- In the production of cheese: The sap from common mallow has been used as a vegetarian rennet substitute to help coagulate milk in cheese-making.
- As a natural toilet paper: In the past, the large and soft leaves of common mallow were sometimes used as a natural alternative to toilet paper.
- As a plant indicator: Common mallow can indicate rich soil, particularly where there is high nitrogen content.
- In crafts for papermaking: The fibrous parts of the plant may be incorporated into handmade paper for texture and design.
- As a potpourri ingredient: Dried common mallow flowers can add color and a mild scent to potpourri mixes.
- In companion planting: Common mallow might attract beneficial insects or provide shade and moisture retention for neighboring plants in a permaculture garden.
- In bioremediation: The plant may play a role in soil remediation by stabilizing ground and absorbing certain contaminants, though more research is needed in this area.
- For livestock fodder: Common mallow's leaves can serve as a nutritious feed for livestock, although it is not a primary fodder crop.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Common Mallow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Common Mallow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Protection: Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, often symbolizes love and protection. In ancient herbology, malva (mallow) was thought to bring safety to those who used it, and to preserve the love they had.
- Health and Healing: Common mallow has been used medicinally to soothe and heal ailments, especially inflammations and wounds, thus symbolizing health and healing.
- Mildness: From its gentle effect on the body, common mallow represents mildness, as its Latin name "malva" is derived from "malacos," meaning "soft" or "mild."
WaterCommon mallow (Malva sylvestris) prefers consistent soil moisture and should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This might translate to watering approximately once a week during active growth, but frequency should be adjusted according to climate and weather conditions. It is better to water this plant in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, thereby reducing the risk of disease. A thorough watering might mean using around one to two gallons of water for an established plant in the ground, ensuring it reaches the root zone.
LightCommon mallow (Malva sylvestris) thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be where the plant receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate some shade, too little light may result in leggier plants with fewer flowers. An east or west-facing location can be appropriate, with the plant benefitting from the morning or afternoon sun.
TemperatureCommon mallow (Malva sylvestris) grows best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a wider range. It is hardy in conditions down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate high temperatures as long as there is sufficient water available. The plant should be protected from extreme cold, which can damage or kill it.
PruningCommon mallow (Malva sylvestris) should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage additional blooming, as well as to maintain its shape and promote good air circulation. Pruning can be done throughout the blooming season as flowers fade. The best time for more significant pruning, such as reducing the size of the plant or cutting back old stems, is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCommon mallow (Malva sylvestris) thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with generous organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 to 8.0. You can create an ideal mix using one part garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingCommon mallow should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting this plant to minimize stress and promote vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingCommon mallow prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and moderate temps.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMalva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow, begins its life cycle as a seed which, with optimal moisture and temperature, will germinate in the spring. The seeds develop into seedlings that quickly form a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plants mature, they produce erect stems that can reach up to 1.2m in height and bear rounded, lobed leaves along with pink to purple flowers with distinctive darker stripes, blooming from early summer to early fall. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into disc-shaped seed pods known as "cheeses" because of their resemblance to wheels of cheese. Once mature, these seed pods release seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years, ensuring the perpetuation of the common mallow. The plant is a hardy perennial, although it can behave as a biennial, and may die back to the ground in the winter to re-sprout from the rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Common mallow, or Malva sylvestris, is usually propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in early spring, after the risk of frost has passed, to give the plants a full growing season. To propagate by seed, prepare a well-drained soil bed in a sunny to partly shady area and scatter the seeds on the surface, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Gently water the soil to keep it moist until germination occurs, which typically happens within 2 to 3 weeks. For more predictable results, seeds can be started indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, using peat pots that can be planted directly into the garden to minimize root disturbance.
