Alcea rosea

Alcea rosea (= Althaea rosea), commonly known as Hollyhook, is a perennial.

Contents 1 Naming 2 Taxonomy 3 Characteristics 3.1 Growth 3.2 Wood and Bark 3.3 Leaves 3.4 Flowers and Fruit 3.5 Root System 4 Distribution 5 Cultivation 6 Uses 7 Maintenance 8 Varities and Cultivars 9 Poisonousness 10 Pests and Diseases 11 Man and Alcea rosea 11.1 History 11.2 Alcea rosea in art 11.3 Symbolism 11.4 Superstition 12 See also 13 References 13.1 Literature 13.2 Footnotes 14 Non-commercial Links

[edit] Naming

Alcea rosea was described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The name is considered as validly published.

[edit] Taxonomy

The Hollyhook is a species in the genus Alcea (hollyhock) which contains 60 species and belongs to the family of the Malvaceae (Mallow Family).

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Growth

The perennials grow to a height of approximately 2,5 meters and have an erect habit.

[edit] Wood and Bark

[edit] Leaves

Alcea rosea is a decidious plant with simple leaves. The leaves are arranged opposite one another. They are pale green and palmately lobed.

[edit] Flowers and Fruit

The flowers are pink. The plants bloom from June to October. They can be used as cut flowers.

The fruits are schizocarps.

[edit] Root System

[edit] Distribution

Alcea rosea is native to southwest Asia, the Balkan Peninsula and is naturalized in Europe (with the exception of Sicily and Malta).

[edit] Cultivation

The Hollyhook prefers a sunny site. It grows best in sandy or pebbly, loamy soil that is moderately moist.

[edit] Uses

Alcea rosea is used medicinally.

[edit] Maintenance

[edit] Varities and Cultivars

[edit] Poisonousness

 Please read the health issues note! 

[edit] Pests and Diseases

[edit] Man and Alcea rosea

[edit] History

[edit] Alcea rosea in art

[edit] Symbolism

[edit] Superstition

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] Literature

• Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
• Christoper Brickell (Editor-in-chief): RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Third edition. Dorling Kindersley, London 2003, ISBN 0-7513-3738-2.
• efloras.org

[edit] Footnotes

[edit] Non-commercial Links

More pictures of Alcea rosea in the

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• United States Department of Agriculturees:Alcea roseafr:Alcea rosea