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Malva pusilla - Sm.

Common Name Dwarf Mallow, Low mallow
Family Malvaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards Although we have seen no reports of toxicity for this species, when grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are cultivated inorganically), the leaves of some species tend to concentrate high levels of nitrates in their leaves[76]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.
Habitats Waste places, foreshores etc[17].
Range Europe. Introduced and locally naturalized in Britain.
Edibility Rating    (4 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Malva pusilla Dwarf Mallow, Low mallow


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:234_Malva_neglecta.jpg
Malva pusilla Dwarf Mallow, Low mallow
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Malva pusilla is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

M. rotundifolia. L.

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Seed
Edible Uses:

Leaves - raw or cooked[74, 145]. A mild pleasant flavour, it can be used in quantity and makes an excellent salad plant. It is possibly the best for flavour in this genus though it is much lower yielding than the annual M. verticillata 'Crispa' or the perennials M. alcea and M. moschata[K]. Seed - raw or cooked[74, 105]. Best used before it is fully mature, the seed has a pleasant nutty taste but it is rather small and very fiddly to harvest[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Demulcent  Poultice  Urinary

The leaves are demulcent and have occasionally been used internally in the treatment of inflammations of the digestive and urinary systems[4]. Externally they have been used as a poultice for bruises, inflammations, piles etc[4, 240]. This plant is less active than the common mallow (M. sylvestris) and the marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis)[4]. The seed is demulcent[240]. It is used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, ulceration of the bladder and haemorrhoids[240]. It is applied externally in the treatment of skin diseases[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Teeth

Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads[168]. The root can be used as a toothbrush[74].

Special Uses

Food Forest

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil[1], though it prefers a reasonably well-drained and moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. This plant has been extensively cultivated as a pot-herb in some countries[4]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Plants are prone to infestation by rust fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

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

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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123

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Sm.

Botanical References

1774

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