Even though the root of this plant was once used to make a sweet confection, pate de guimauve, it is now mainly a medicinal herb. Indeed, the Greek word altho means to cure.

As the common name, Marsh Mallow, implies this plant likes it on the wet or marshy side. It has the common mallow flower, but smaller than today's ornamental hybrids. The Malvaceae family to which the Marsh Mallow belongs has hundreds of members, some of them are famous like Hollyhock and Hibiscus. 

While we have not eaten this plant ourselves, it is said to have palatable young leaves, seed heads, also known as cheeses, for crunching in salads and a root that can be harvested in autumn, peeled and boiled like a turnip. 

Marsh Mallow would make an interesting addition to our 
Gourmet Herb Garden Six Pack.

Cultural Information

Height: 4 Feet   

Hardiness: Perennial
in Zones 3-11

Flower Color: White 
to Pale Pink 

Characteristics: Full Sun