Marsh-mallow - Althaea officinalis

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Marsh-mallow - Althaea officinalis
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Marsh-mallow is a tall plant resembling a hollyhock, with velvety grey leaves that are triangular and folded. The large pale pink flowers have a slight veining of darker purple and give way to furry fruits. This is a plant of coastal salt marshes and a useful one to encourage in damp coastal conditions. Some people consider it to be difficult to grow in the garden, but it is widely available from nurseries. The slimy roots used to be boiled to a jelly to make the confectionery named after it; in France dried marsh-mallow roots are still sold as a soother for teething babies to chew on.

The name Althaea is derived from the Greek altho, meaning to cure - from its healing properties; whilst the plant family name Malvaceae comes from the Greek malake meaning soft, from the particular qualities of the mallow family in softening and healing.

Animals

Painted lady

Foliage	Green
Flower	Pink, July to September
Moisture	(Wet)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native