Musk Mallow

Musk Mallow, Malva moschata, Pittsburgh 2019

Typically growing to between 2'-3' tall, the one in my yard towers at over 6' (2m!).  A couple of years ago I tossed a handful of musk mallow seeds out over a raked bit of barren ground, and now look what we have brightening our day.
Its seeds, flowers, and leaves are all edible either raw or cooked, and a tea can be made from them as well.  Medicinally, musk mallow is used to treat:  Generally used more externally to treat insect bites, bruises and rashes, internally taken it aids in respiratory ailments as well as intestinal distress.  Is a good laxative for young children.

The Detritus Of Life Is Everywhere

Musk Mallow Leaf (Malva moschata) and Blue Jay Feather, Pittsburgh, 2018

The detritus of life is everywhere.  We cast bits of ourselves off without notice.
The flowers and leaves of the musk mallow are edible raw, or for the latter, cooked.  The leaves and roots are used both topically and internally.  Topically for sores on the skin, and internally for irritations of the digestive tract and throat and lung ailments.  Mucilage can be extracted easily from the roots by soaking.

Musk Mallow

Musk Mallow Flower and Seeds, Malva moschata, Pittsburgh, 2015


Musk mallow grows wild and thrives best in the shaded parts of my yard.  This year I collected the seeds pods and was pleasantly surprised by their unique shape.  The leaves, flowers and seeds of the plant are all edible, but the plant is most prized (as are all mallows) for their medicinal uses.