What is this purple-flowered weed?

Question

It looks it is a weed, but not so bad. I saw it in an urban area in Europe, Hardiness Zone 8a.

Is it poisonous, or nasty in any other way?

Giacomo Catenazzi · Accepted Answer · 2018-04-30 08:39:07Z

5

This is a mallow (Malva), see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malva. I think Malva sylvestris.

It is not a weed, it was often planted as drug, because it (supposedly) can cure a lot of common illness. In any case, it is also frequent in Europe.

answered Apr 30 '18 at 8:39

Giacomo Catenazzi

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2

It acts like a weed, pops up everywhere – kevinsky♦ Apr 30 '18 at 9:59
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My mother always said that a weed is just a plant that's in the wrong place. – anaximander Apr 30 '18 at 12:59
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One gardener‘s weed is another‘s prized possession.... – Stephie♦ Apr 30 '18 at 14:09
3

One thing about it that is kind of unfavorable: if you do want to get rid of it, it's not easy after a while. Every year it gets bigger and tougher, and the root gets more entrenched. – Lorel C. Apr 30 '18 at 14:16

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