Re: [gardeners] Althea officinalis uses
Jane Burdekin (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Tue, 9 Mar 1999 08:23:50 -0600
Thanks, I'll check into both of those however neither are on the virtual
garden site. Does anyone know where there is a weed identifier site?
Jane
>You description sounds a lot like what we call cheese weed. We have two
>types: the common mallow and little leaf mallow (m. parvafolia). Both are
>common in cultivated crops, landscapes and gardens. Sounds like yours could
>be either one. When we were kids, we used to nibble on the cheesy
>buttonlike fruit. The only use I know of is to chop it up with the
>lawnmower before the seeds develop and compost it. We also have a globe
>mallow that grows wild in landscapes but it is kind of pretty (in bloom
>right now) and we usually let it grow if it doesn't get in the way. -Olin
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Jane Burdekin <burdekij@bvsd.k12.co.us>
>Subject: Re: [gardeners] Althea officinalis uses
>
>
>> ...The plant I am looking at in the garden is
>>definately a weed ... is low to the ground and spreads out in
>>a rosette shape. The leaves are round and scalloped on the edges. It
>>produces small whitish/purplish flowers and forms a button shaped like a
>>hollyhock seed button later. It has a carrot like tap root that is heading
>>for China and if you leave any piece of it a new plant (weed) will form.
>>Any ideas???
>>
>>Jane
>>
>>>
>>> At 05:23 AM 3/8/99 -0700, you wrote:
>>> ><snip>I got distracted trying to find out if the "weed" called
>>> >Malva was of some value. I recently took an herb class and it is one of
>>> >the plants the instructor pointed out. Does any one know if it is the
>>same
>>> >as marshmallow plant. I am thinking it is Althaea officinalis but I
>>can't
>>> >find a picture to confirm it. If that is the right name there seems to
>>be
>>> >many uses for this common weed that I keep digging and throwing in the
>>> >compost. If it is that I sure hope I haven't completely iradicated it
>>from
>>> >the garden, what are the odds of that? I better get out there and
>>finish
>>> >preparing for pea planting tonight.
>>> >
>>> >Jane
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Jane,
>>>
>>> I have some info from, "The Herb Book", by John Lust. Says, common names
>>> for Althea officinalis is Marshmallow, mortification root, sweet weed,
>>> wymote. The medicinal parts are root, leaves, flowers.
>>>
>>> Properties and uses... Demulcent, emollient, diuretic. It's particular
>>> excellence is soothing irritated tissue. Externally, use it as a
>>poultice
>>> for irritations, burns, carbuncles, and furuncle, and wounds. (what the
>>> heck is a furuncle?).
>>>
>>> It says more, but I don't have time to type it all out this morning. If
>>> you really want more, let me know and I will type up the rest of the
>>> decoction info etc. I also have info on Malva sylvestris and Malva
>>> rotundifolia if you need it.
>>>
>>> A good place to start looking for a pic is at virtual garden
>>>
>>> http://www.vg.com/cgi-bin/VG/vg
>>>
>>> Cynthia
>>>
>>>
>>> **Womyn Who Moves Mountains-Little Finger Of Michigan**
>>> **cmayeaux@traverse.com **USDA zone 4b-Sunset zone 41**
>>> ** http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/2659/garden/cynthia.html **
>>