Bull Mallow
Malva nicaeensis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Stony and rocky ground.

Europe to W. Asia. An introduced and not infrequent casual in Britain, occasionally established.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

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. Seed - raw. Best used before it is fully mature, the seed has a pleasant nutty taste but it is rather small and fiddly to harvest.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of migraine headaches. A poultice of the heated leaves has been applied to the head or stomach to relieve pain. A decoction of the roots has been used to treat fevers, especially in children.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating: 1

Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads. A decoction of the roots has been used as a hair rinse.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

How it is grown

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil, though it prefers a reasonably well-drained and moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Plants are prone to infestation by rust fungus. This species is closely related to M. sylvestris. Plants growing in an open sunny position in the Order Beds at Cambridge Botanical gardens are very similar to M. sylvestris and, like that species, are clearly perennial even though we have read reports that they are annual.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although we have seen no reports of toxicity for this species, when grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are cultivated inorganically), the leaves of some species tend to concentrate high levels of nitrates in their leaves. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. borealis.