Erfurter
Marshmallow(Althea Officinalis)
A German-bred medicinal selection of marsh mallow developed for commercial pharmaceutical/herb production, prized for its high root mucilage content (reported up to around 10%). It is the most widely offered named cultivar in the herb trade and is grown specifically for superior demulcent extractives.
Flavor Profile
Mild, faintly sweet mucilaginous roots and leaves with no strong aroma; the mucilage gives a soothing, slippery mouthfeel valued in demulcent teas.
Visual Characteristics
Vigorous, hardy erect perennial reaching roughly 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) tall with soft, velvety grey-green leaves and pale pink to white five-petalled flowers in summer.
Growing Tips
Grow in moist, organically rich soil in full sun; a robust, hardy strain. For medicinal root use, harvest roots after 2-3 years of growth once they have bulked up.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.