Although annual mallows can make nice greens, this perennial mallow not only has delicious leaves but it also makes large displays of showy purple edible flowers!  One type has lavender petals with dark purple stripes, while another type has deep magenta petals.  Blooming plants grow up to three feet tall.

We like to steam the greens or add them raw to salads.  They also make a nice mucilaginous infusion to soothe sore throats and irritated skin and mucus membranes.