mallow

Mallow is a common name for several flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, especially those in the genus Malva, as well as the closely related marsh-mallow plant Althaea officinalis. The term covers herbaceous species native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Notable examples include Malva sylvestris, the common mallow, and Malva neglecta, the dwarf mallow. These plants typically have rounded, lobed leaves, long slender stems, and five-petaled flowers that range from pale pink to purple. The seed heads of Malva species form a characteristic wheel- or cheese-shaped cluster, often described as a “cheese wheel.”

The marsh-mallow plant, Althaea officinalis, is a distinct but related species valued for its mucilaginous root. Both Malva and Althaea species belong to the same subfamily and share similar foliage and flowers, though Althaea officinalis can grow taller and has a slightly different growth habit.

Distribution and habitat: Mallows are common in meadows, grasslands, hedgerows, roadsides, and disturbed soils. They favor sunny locations and well-drained soils but can adapt to a range of moisture conditions. Some species are considered weedy in certain regions.

Uses: The leaves and flowers of many mallows are edible and used in salads or as cooked greens. The plants produce a mucilaginous sap that has traditionally been used as a demulcent in herbal medicine. Historically, the marsh-mallow root was used to make the confection known as marshmallows; modern marshmallows typically rely on other gelling agents and ingredients, but the name preserves its botanical roots. In ornamental horticulture, some mallows are grown for their attractive flowers and foliage.