Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) Identification Guide

Mallow / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible

A common hedgerow plant. It can be found in many areas of the world. It’s non-native to the UK and was most likely introduced by the Romans.

Common Names

Mallow, Round Dock, Common Mallow, High Mallow, Cheeses, Custard cheeses, Fairy cheeses, Lady’s Cheese and Truckles of Cheese.

Botanical Name

Malva sylvestris

Scientific Classification

Kingdom – Plantae

Order – Malvales

Family – Malvaceae

Physical Characteristics for Mallow

Leaves

The leaves are roughly round to pentagon in shape, they have 5 lobes and are rather crinkly, and they are hairy and are around 5-10cm in diameter.

Flowers

The flowers are pink to purple in colour with darker stripes running along their length. They are roughly trumpet shaped and have 5 petals.

Fruits

The seeds are known as ‘cheeses’ and are shaped like a wedge of cheese. Together the seeds look a little like a trivial pursuit counter.

Habitat

Most often its found in hedgerows and on disturbed ground.

Known Hazards

None known

Could be Confused with…

Some geranium species can have similar looking leaves but they will have a strong, herbal smell when crushed. Mallow lacks any real smell. The flowers look quite different too.

Edible Uses

The leaves when young can be added to salads, when they get older and tougher they can be cooked as a leafy green. The leaves will puff up and go crispy, a bit like prawn crackers when deep fried to add texture to meals.

The ‘cheeses’ have a lovely nutty flavour and can be eaten raw straight off the plant or added to pestos for example.

The flowers don’t have much flower be can be used as a garnish or to brighten up salads.

Notes on Herbal Uses

The leaves and seeds are high in mucilage and have been traditionally used to treat inflammation.

The leaves are also used to treat external wounds as a poultice.

Teas made from the seeds can be used to form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.

Extra notes from the Foragers

The leaves and seeds can be used for dying, they produce a yellow to green coloured dye.

In Jewish culture it is considered one of the most important wild plants and its common name in Hebrew and Arabic translates to ‘bread’.

Resources

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/common-mallow

https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/common-mallow-malva-sylvestris

https://www.permaculture.co.uk/readers-solutions/benefits-common-mallow-malva-sylvestris