Mallow
(Malva neglecta)
low mallow, dwarf mallow, cheese plant, Malva rotundifolia

Description: An annual or perennial weedy herb with creeping, branching stems, 6-24 inches long. The leaves are rounded,crenate, slightly 5-7 lobed, downy and on long petioles. Sessile purplish pink, trumpet-shaped flowers are small, solitary or clustered in the axils along the stems. The fruit is round,and flattened, resembling wheels of cheese. The whole plant has a slimy sap when crushed. Found throughout the U.S. in old disturbed earth, yards, roadsides, gardens, vacant lots.

Edible, Medicinal: The leaves are edible and highly nutritious. The whole plant contains valuable minerals, especially rich in zinc, 268,000 units of Vit. A per pound and is high in Vit. B, C. The young flowers are used in salads. Leaves and new shoots are boiled as a vegetable, and to thicken soups. It is a demulcent and emollient. These properties make it useful in reducing inflammation, pain, sore throats, tonsillitis, indigestion and a soothing poultice, Used also as an expectorant and diuretic. Use 1-2 teaspoons of the herb to 1/2 cup cold water. Let stand 8 hours. Take warm to lukewarm. Take cold to produce more milk for nursing mothers. (do not boil or steep in hot water).