Native Plant Alternatives to Malva moschata (Musk Mallow)

Malva moschata, commonly known as musk mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family native to Europe and Northern Africa. It has naturalized in some parts of the world where it was introduced, such as certain regions in North America.

In many places, Malva moschata is grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and is valued for its tolerance of poor soils and dry conditions. However, like many plants, if it’s growing in ideal conditions and there’s a lack of natural controls (like pests or diseases that would naturally keep it in check in its native range), it has the potential to spread and become somewhat weedy.

Musk Mallow is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.