Bull Mallow (Malva nicaeensis)

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

Malva nicaeensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild flavour with a mucilaginous texture, they make a very acceptable part of a mixed salad, or a good filling for a salad sandwich, though they are somewhat boring on their own. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A very mild flavour with a mucilaginous texture, they make a very acceptable part of a mixed salad, or a good filling for a salad sandwich, though they are somewhat boring on their own.; The cooked leaf has a rather slimy texture.; Best used before it is fully mature, the seed has a pleasant nutty taste but it is rather small and fiddly to harvest.

Habitat & North American Range

Stony and rocky ground. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)