Is Malva sylvestris (common mallow) a poisonous plant?

Common mallow (Malva sylvestris) is presumed non-toxic based on available toxicological literature. No poisoning cases have been documented, though it is not recommended for use as animal feed.

Common mallow Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,284 found this helpful

No documented toxicity of common mallow has been found in scientific literature for humans or common domestic animals

Despite its low risk profile, this plant is not suitable or approved for use as fodder for any livestock or companion animals

It can be easily confused with related Althea and other Malva species, some of which carry higher toxicity risks

FAQ

Is Common mallow toxic to Humans?

No expected adverse effects with incidental small exposure; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Common mallow toxic to Cats?

No reported toxic effects; mild digestive upset possible if large amounts are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Common mallow toxic to Dogs?

No reported toxic effects; mild digestive upset possible if large amounts are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Common mallow toxic to Horses?

No reported toxic effects; not suitable as feed, may cause digestive discomfort if fed in large quantities (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected adverse effects with incidental small exposure; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No reported toxic effects; mild digestive upset possible if large amounts are consumed

Dogs

Non-toxic

No reported toxic effects; mild digestive upset possible if large amounts are consumed

Horses

Non-toxic

No reported toxic effects; not suitable as feed, may cause digestive discomfort if fed in large quantities

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified in available literature; entire plant is presumed non-toxic but not recommended for use as animal feed

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material; no dermal or inhalation toxicity risks reported

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic chemical compounds have been isolated or reported for this species in available research

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual or animal
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water to eliminate residual plant matter
• Monitor for signs of mild gastrointestinal discomfort for 2 to 4 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other unusual symptoms develop after ingestion
• If very large quantities of the plant were consumed by small companion animals or young livestock
• If you cannot confirm the plant's identity and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike species

Prevention

• Do not intentionally feed common mallow to companion animals or livestock as a fodder source
• Always confirm plant identity prior to using any wild Malva species for human consumption or herbal preparations
• Remove confirmed toxic Malvaceae species from areas accessible to pets and livestock to avoid accidental ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific antidote is required, as no toxicity has been documented for this species
• Administer gastrointestinal protectants if mild digestive upset develops post-ingestion
• Provide access to fresh water and rest until any transient symptoms resolve completely

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameMalva sylvestris L.; Malva mauritiana L. (syn. Malva sylvestris subsp. mauritiana (L.) Boiss. ex Court)

AliasesWild mallow、Large mallow、High mallow

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organ toxicity has been reported in any studied species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been documented for this plant species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): No reported toxicity, but feeding is not recommended as closely related Malva species can cause serious adverse effects

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No documented toxic effects, but excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Marsh mallow Althaea officinalis L.

Both are in the Malvaceae family with similar palmate leaves and pink-purple flowers; marsh mallow has thicker, more densely velvety leaves than common mallow

Dwarf mallow Malva neglecta Wallr.

Closely related Malva species with nearly identical flower and leaf morphology; dwarf mallow has a shorter growth habit and smaller flowers than common mallow

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Related Toxic Plants

Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti Medik.

Moderate toxicity, causes digestive and neurological adverse effects in livestock

Spiny sida

Sida spinosa L.

Moderate toxicity, can cause fatal nitrate poisoning in ruminant species

Small-flowered mallow

Malva parviflora L.

Moderate toxicity, causes staggers syndrome in grazing sheep and cattle

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.