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Common Mallow

Malva sylvestris

Common Mallow is a lovely plant with soft, round leaves and pretty pink flowers. It grows in many places and can be found in gardens and fields, making it a friendly sight for everyone!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Common Mallow has striking cup-shaped flowers, typically vibrant pink to purple, with darker veins radiating from the center. Its broad, rounded leaves are palmately lobed and slightly crinkled, making it visually distinct from many common roadside plants.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyMalvaceaeGenusMalva
Common Mallow
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
Common Mallow

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ancient Egyptians grew mallow as a common food source, not just a wild plant!

If you chew the leaves, they release a slimy juice that can make a natural, soothing paste!

Its round, flat fruits are often called "cheeses" because they look like tiny cheese wheels!

The word "mallow" comes from a Greek word meaning "soft," referring to its soothing sap.

Special abilities

Ability

Mucilage Maestro

Common Mallow has a special gooey substance (mucilage) that helps it store water and soothe internal irritations.

Ability

Continuous Bloom Power

Common Mallow can produce flowers for many months, ensuring a steady food supply for a wide range of visiting insects.

Ability

Taproot Treasure

Common Mallow grows a deep, sturdy taproot that helps it find water in dry soils, making it very resilient.

Measurements & details

Height
30-100 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
2-4 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Biennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen

eaten by

Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui

Caterpillars feed on its leaves

parasitizes

Mallow Rust

Puccinia malvacearum

Causes rust disease on leaves

depends on

Mallow Seed Weevil

Apion radiolus

Larvae develop within its seeds

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or tasting any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Common Mallow?

30-100 cm

How wide does Common Mallow spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Common Mallow?

2-4 cm

When does Common Mallow bloom?

Summer

Is Common Mallow edible?

Yes

Is Common Mallow toxic?

None

What is Common Mallow's lifecycle?

Biennial

How is Common Mallow pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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