Thanks, It looks like it will take some time to look at that one. I'll have to do it at home, no time now here at work. Jane >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 ** >>>> >> >> >> >>