Common Mallow is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in roadsides and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 150cm.
Common Mallow is distinguished from other mallows by: its intermediate height (up to 1.5 metres); its densely-hairy stems; heart-shaped, lobed and toothed shiny leaves; and open-petalled, funnel-shaped flowers with purple-veined, notched petals. Common Mallow has been traditionally used in vegetable dishes, herbal medicine and dye production.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Mallow is a member of the Mallow (Malvaceae) family. The genus name
'Malva' identifies the plant as a Mallow and its species name 'sylvestris' means 'woodland plant'.
Benefits: The rare Fiery Clearwing moth feeds on flowers of the Common Mallow.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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