Herbs · Everyday herb

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis · also called Marsh mallow · planet: Venus

A velvety, grey-green plant with pale pink flowers that likes damp ground. Its sticky root gave the original sweet its name.

In the garden

Full sun to part shade and moist soil; it can reach 5 feet. It is a handsome back-of-the-border plant.

In the kitchen

The leaves and flowers can be added to salads. The root can be simmered into a sticky liquid that sets like meringue, the original marshmallow.

Take care

• Can slow how fast other medicines are absorbed; take them at a different time and ask a pharmacist.
• May lower blood sugar; ask your doctor if you have diabetes.

Folklore and garden information only, not medical advice. Do not eat or use any plant unless you are certain what it is and that it is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medicine, or choosing for children or pets.

Where to buy

Dried herb

• Mountain Rose Herbs Organic dried herbs and botanicals.
• Starwest Botanicals Bulk dried herbs, spices and teas.

Seeds

• Botanical Interests Seed packets for herb and flower gardens.
• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

Live plants

• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

These links go to the seller websites themselves. We are not paid for them.