Re: [gardeners] Althea officinalis uses
David G Smith (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Tue, 09 Mar 1999 10:41:14 -0500
Here's one:
http://www.rce.rutgers.edu/weeddocuments/index.htm
At 08:23 AM 3/9/99 -0600, you wrote:
>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 **
>>>
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