Dwarf Mallow (Malva pusilla)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild pleasant flavour, it can be used in quantity and makes an excellent salad plant. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places, foreshores etc. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)