The WALA Plant Library
Marsh mallow

Synonyms for Marsh mallow: mallow, white mallow, common marsh-mallow, marshmallow, mortification root, sweet weed, wymote
Scientific Name: Althaea officinalis L.
Family: Malvaceae

Description:

Any gardening enthusiast must have come across mallows. Their perennial brother, the marsh mallow, is very similar to them, as would be expected as they are from the same family. It is also called the white mallow because, unlike its sister, it has white flowers which are however a light violet at the base. Large and arranged in bunches, they open from June until August. Striking are the strongly notched leaves, which are arranged in spirals on the stems that grow up to a height of 1.50 m. They are covered on both sides with velvety, felt-like hairs and have a bluish-green appearance. The marsh mallow is best-suited to salt-containing or chalky soils. It is also at home in damp meadows and on embankments.