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Malva sylvestris
  • Mallow

a biennial or perennial member of the Malva genus in the family Malvaceae.

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Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Malva sylvestris has 0 edible uses listed
Malva sylvestris has 0 material uses listed
Malva sylvestris has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

When grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are cultivated inorganically), the plant tends to concentrate high levels of nitrates in its leaves[1]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or cooked[2][3][4][5][6][7]. Mucilaginous with a mild pleasant flavour, they are nice in soups where they act as a thickener[8]. The young leaves also make a very acceptable substitute for lettuce in a salad[K].

Immature seed - raw[7]. Used as a nibble[7], the seeds have a nice nutty flavour[9] but are too fiddly for most people to want to gather in quantity[K]. Flowers - raw. Added to salads or used as a garnish[7]. A pleasant mild flavour, with a similar texture to the leaves, they make a pleasant and pretty addition to the salad bowl[K].

The leaves are a tea substitute[10][7].

Flowers

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads[11].

A tincture of the flowers forms a very delicate test for alkalis[3][12]. The leaves are used to relieve insect bites and stings[13].

A fibre obtained from the stems is useful for cordage, textiles and paper making[12].

Unknown part

Dye
Fibre
Litmus

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

All parts of the plant are antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve[3][4][5][14][10][15][16]. The leaves and flowers can be eaten as part of the diet, or a tea can be made from the leaves, flowers or roots[15]. The leaves and flowers are the main part used, their demulcent properties making them valuable as a poultice for bruise, inflammations, insect bites etc, or they can be taken internally in the treatment of respiratory system diseases and problems with the digestive tract[3][16][17]. When combined with eucalyptus it makes a god remedy for coughs and other chest ailments[17]. Mallow has similar properties, but is considered to be inferior to the marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) and are seldom used internally[3]. The plant is an excellent laxative for young children[4]. The leaves can be used fresh whenever they are available or can be harvested in the spring and dried for later use[17]. The flowers are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use[17].

Unknown part

Antiphlogistic
Astringent
Demulcent
Diuretic
Emollient
Expectorant
Laxative
Salve

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Malva sylvestris. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil[18] and in poor soils[16]. It prefers a reasonably well-drained and moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[19], where it will produce a better crop of salad leaves[K].

Plants are hardy to about -20°c[20]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[20]. 'Mauritiana' is larger than the type with much more ornamental flowers[20]. The flavour of the leaves and flowers is considered by many to be superior to the type species[7]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[21].

Prone to infestation by rust fungus[19].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Malva sylvestris. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Malva sylvestris.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Malva sylvestris
Genus
Malva
Family
Malvaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Medicinal uses
[3][4][5][14][10][15][16][17]
Material uses & Functions
[11][3][12][13]
Botanic
[22][19]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    biennial, perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.45 x meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Bees, Self
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.53.63.7 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Sweet. M. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Co. ISBN 0-911010-54-8 (1962-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.6 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Loewenfeld. C. and Back. P. Britain's Wild Larder. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-7971-2 ()
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (1974-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    13. ? 13.013.1 De. Bray. L. The Wild Garden. ()
    14. ? 14.014.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.2 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.317.4 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    18. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.119.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    21. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    22. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    "image:Mallow January 2008-1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Malva_sylvestris&oldid=78605"
    Facts about "Malva sylvestris"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyMalvaceae +
    Belongs to genusMalva +
    Has common nameMallow +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partFlowers +, Leaves +, Seeds + and Unknown part +
    Has edible useUnknown use + and Tea +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Bee + and Self +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone5 +
    Has imageMallow January 2008-1.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typeBiennial + and Perennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useDye +, Fibre + and Litmus +
    Has mature height0.45 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntiphlogistic +, Astringent +, Demulcent +, Diuretic +, Emollient +, Expectorant +, Laxative + and Salve +
    Has primary imageMallow January 2008-1.jpg +
    Has search namemalva sylvestris + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameMalva sylvestris +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +