Lavatera (Lavatera thuringiaca)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Lavatera thuringiaca is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild flavour, but the leaves are tough and not very worthwhile. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; A mild flavour, but the leaves are tough and not very worthwhile.; Leaves of the cultivar 'Barnsley' are less tough and are reasonably tasty, a plant at Kew had also produced quite a few leaves in the winter and so it is a potential winter salad.; A pleasant mild flavour, they make a decorative addition to the salad bowl.

Habitat & North American Range

Hills, thickets and waysides, by streams to 2800 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)