Dwarf Mallow, Low mallow

Malva pusilla

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Europe. Introduced and locally naturalized in Britain.

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].

Medicinal Uses

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].

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.