Leaf type: Kidney-shaped, rounded, lobed with five to seven rounded lobes
Leaf margin: Serrated
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green, green with a dark red center
Life cycle: Annual, biennial, or perennial
Leaf (upper side)
Growth habit & biology
Malva sylvestris can grow as an annual, biennial, or perennial. However, based on my observations, it is not a perennial that lives for many years. Its leaves can be solid green or spotted with dark red. Depending on the location, it can reach heights of one meter or more.
The basal leaves are rounded to kidney-shaped and only slightly lobed into five to seven segments. The upper stem leaves are lobed into up to five segments. Some basal leaves may still be visible in winter.
Distribution & habitates
Its native range includes Europe, North Africa, and extends as far as Central Asia. As a naturalized species, Malva sylvestris can be found regionally in Australia, North America, and South America (source).
Habitats include meadows, roadsides, embankments, dams, and ditches. As an ornamental plant, Malva sylvestris is planted in parks, gardens, and traffic islands.
Botany
Malva sylvestris is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae) and is commonly known as common mallow, high mallow, tall mallow and cheeses.
