Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
Soft grey leaves, pale pink flowers and a root that gave the sweet its name; happy in damp soil.
Hardiness: zones 3 to 9
Light: full sun
Size: about 5 ft tall, 3 ft wide
Harvest: October to November
From: Europe, W. Asia and N. Africa
Here: Hardy in the Lake Erie shore climate (zone 6b to 7a), so it can live outdoors in the ground.
Good for: food, pollinators, traditional use.
Native to: Temperate Europe, Mediterranean. Hardy in zones 3 to 9.
The story
Marshmallow grew in the salt marshes of Europe and western Asia, and its root was boiled with honey as a throat sweet in ancient Egypt. French confectioners later whipped the sap with sugar, the ancestor of today's marshmallow.
Planting
Full sun and moist soil; it tolerates clay and salt.
Growing
An easy, upright perennial. Cut it down in late autumn.
Harvest and use
Dig roots from plants two years old or more in autumn, slice and dry. Steep in cold water for a mild, thick drink. Leaves and flowers are edible.
What to watch for
Rust on the leaves. It can slow the uptake of medicines taken at the same time.
Safety
Medicinal uses here are shared as history, not advice. Kitchen amounts are fine for most people, but teas, tinctures and supplements can interact with medicines and aren't safe for everyone, especially in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, for children, or with liver or kidney problems. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any plant as medicine.
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More perennial vegetables, greens and herbs
General guidance, not professional advice. Conditions vary by yard and year; for local specifics ask your county extension office. Never eat a wild plant you cannot identify with certainty. Traditional uses are shared as history, not medical advice. © 2026 Sean Priest · Irie Orchard. Terms & credits · Privacy · Home