Malva sylvestris Zebrina, commonly called Tall Mallow, High Mallow and French Mallow is a historic heirloom treasure popularized by its appearance in the garden of President Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello home. This long loved first year flowering perennial produces blooms with an exceptional tonal array of deep violet veining over shades of lavender-pink petals. Celebrated as the most popular host plant for the Painted Lady butterfly, this charming garden beauty will create a welcome habitat for egg laying and feed hungry caterpillars as they emerge. Well formed, lush deep green foliage stalks accompany blossoms on plants that grow to 48" inches tall. Self sows freely. Short-lived perennial or biennial. Winter hardy to zone 3.

Common sylvestris Mallow is not toxic. Mallow is commonly used in herbal medicine for its mucilage content, a soluble fiber with demulcent effect. Mallow also has healing properties and is often used as a poultice for skin problems, and the leaves are edible and can be cooked and eaten like spinach.

Packet: 30 seeds.