Photographs: Gearagh, Co.Cork

Musk-mallow Malva moschata Hocas muscach Family: Malvaceae Flowering: July-October. Perennial. Garden escape. Introduced. Solitary pink flowers in upper leaf axils and as terminal cluster. White forms sometimes occur (see lower photographs). Slight musk-like fragrance. Narrow epicalyx segments, hairless/slightly hairy. Basal leaves long-stalked, with 3 shallow lobes. Stem leaves are deeply pinnate-lobed. Well-drained shaded or slightly shaded soil. Roadsides, grassy wasteground, wood edges. Occasional garden escape.

     
White flowered form of Musk-mallow. Courtmacsherry roadside, Co. Cork. July 2008