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Common Mallow – Malva sylvestris

Flowers and Fruits

mallow flower 2

Flowers are present June to september. They are carried on stalks and the petals have a purple / pink colour with distinctive darker veins.
There are five 'notched' petals and underneath these are five largish sepals. The fruit (if formed) is a ring of nutlets - shaped a bit like a doughnut.

Leaves and stem

mallow leaf

The leaves on the stem have between 5 or 7 lobes, / divisions whereas those close to the ground are more rounded (or have shallow lobes).

mallow hairs

The plant can be quite 'hairy' as seen on these flower buds.

Ecology and other notes

mallow plant

The common mallow or Malva sylvestris is a perennial.
It can grow to a height of 90 cm (circa 3 feet).
It is to be found on well drained soil - in sheltered places.