Etymology: Malva: a Latin name for mallow taken from the Greek malache, or malakos, referring to the leaves and an ointment made from the seeds which was supposed to be soothing to the skin
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, roughly hairy forb
Leaves: roundish in outline, upper leaves divided into 5-7 parts to below the middle
Flowers: dark pink to white, 5-parted, 1 1/2"-2 3/4" wide, petals triangular, 3 very small bracts below; inflorescence solitary on long stalks from the leaf axils or usually crowded in a terminal cluster; blooms June-Oct.
Habitat: disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, roughly hairy forb
Leaves: roundish in outline, upper leaves divided into 5-7 parts to below the middle
Flowers: dark pink to white, 5-parted, 1 1/2"-2 3/4" wide, petals triangular, 3 very small bracts below; inflorescence solitary on long stalks from the leaf axils or usually crowded in a terminal cluster; blooms June-Oct.
Habitat: disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Stephen L. Solheim
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration