Malva sylvestris 'Common Mallow'

[Ex. Whitby, England]

Malvaceae: an upright or spreading perennial to 1.5m. found on grassy verges and disturbed ground. The flowers are 25-30mm across with 5 purple-veined pink petals, in clusters from the leaf axils, blooming from June-October. The seeds are set in a round flat disc. The leaves are rounded at the base of the plant, 5-lobed higher up the stem. Widespread and common in the south, scarce elsewhere in Britain.

USES:

This plant has a long list of uses, both edible and medicinal, these include; Leaves eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable, and the flowers can be added to salads or used as a garnish. medicinally all parts of the plant are antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve, the leaves are used to relieve insect bites and stings. it is also said that the leaves and flowers can be eaten as part of the diet. Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in Spring. Germination take be slow and erratic, germinate best if sown in the autumn. Suited to well-drained poor soil, in sun or part-shade. All mallows are prone to rust. Loved by bees.

HARVESTED: 2021*

APPROX. 200 SEEDS