Althaea officinalis (or common marshmallow) is a perennial indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. This plant is used medicinally and as an ornamental piece. A confection made from the root since ancient Egyptian time evolved into today’s marshmallow treat.
Type: Perennial
Family: Malvaceae
Native Range: Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa
Growing Zones: 3-10
Mature Height: 4-7 feet
Mature Width: 15-18 inches
Sunlight: Full sun, Part Sun
Soil Type: Average
Water: Heavy
Drought Tolerance: Poor
Growth Rate: Moderate
Leaf Description: Fuzzy, soft
Bloom Time: Summer, June-August
Bloom Description: Pale pink-white flowers
Harvest: Leaf, Flower, Flowering Tops, Root, Whole Plant
Harvest Time: Summer-Fall, June-October
Special Properties: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators, Deer resistant
