Marshmallow is both a plant name and a confection name, but the two are not interchangeable. The plant is Althaea officinalis L.; “marshmallow root” is its dried root, used in herbal preparations such as tea. That root preparation is a different product from marshmallow candy.
What does “marshmallow” mean?
In botanical usage, common marshmallow is the accepted common name for the species Althaea officinalis L., as recorded by ITIS. In everyday food usage, marshmallow also means the confection. The shared name does not mean the candy is made from the plant.
What is marshmallow root?
Marshmallow root means the dried root of Althaea officinalis L. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) describes preparations made from it, including herbal tea and other forms. The U.S. FDA’s Substances Added to Food database lists “althea root” and “marsh mallow root” among the names associated with the plant, and gives its technical effect as “flavoring agent or adjuvant.” That database entry identifies the substance; it does not show that ordinary marshmallow candy contains marshmallow root.
Are marshmallows made from the marshmallow plant?
The name alone cannot answer that for a particular candy. The cited official sources do not establish a representative ingredient breakdown for current commercial marshmallows or how common plant-based candy versions are. Check the current ingredient label for the specific product rather than assuming it contains the root—or assuming every product has the same ingredients.
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- Medicinal Marshmallow Root Herb: White flower plant seeds grow as a flower and used for candy-making, medicine, or as a veggie. Hardy perennial for USDA zones 3–7, ideal heirloom seeds for medicinal gardens.
- Perennial Flower Marshmallow Plant: Floral marshmallow produces soft pink blooms in late summer. Upright mallow plant reaches 36 inches tall with 18–24 inch spacing, perfect flower seeds to plant outside, in flower beds, garden borders, and moist outdoor areas.
- Wet Soil Adapted Growth: These seeds for planting flowers thrive in moist to wet soil and full sun. Naturally marshmallow plant seeds suited for marshes and coastal areas, making these marshmallow seeds for planting ideal for water-retentive garden sites.
- Traditional Culinary And Herbal Uses: Marshmallow root seeds for planting produce edible roots harvested after 2 years. Roots and marshmallow leaf are used fresh or dried for tea, poultices, tinctures, and traditional herbal remedies.
- Pollinator Friendly Garden Flower: These gardening seeds attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This mallow flower flower plants & seeds supports wildlife while providing a long-lived perennial herb for medicinal gardens and flower marshmallows displays.
How are herbal marshmallow products different?
Herbal marshmallow root products use the dried root as a preparation, for example as tea; they are not candy. EMA’s public summary says its described uses are based on traditional use and that clinical-trial evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions. Health Canada’s marshmallow-root monograph is guidance for natural health product licensing and labels in Canada, not a general reference for food or candy ingredients.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- VERSATILE PERENNIAL HERB: Our Marsh Mallow is an essential addition to any herb garden, celebrated for its medicinal and culinary applications that have been valued for over 2000 years. Easy to grow, this hardy perennial flower provides both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, making it a favorite among gardeners and herbalists alike.
- OPTIMAL GROWTH CONDITIONS: Thriving in USDA Zones 3-9, Marsh Mallow perennial flower seeds reaches impressive heights of up to 48 inches and prefers moist soils. Many gardeners recommend fall planting to take advantage of natural cold temperatures that enhance seed germination, ensuring robust growth and beautiful white blooms.
- SWEET AND NUTRITIOUS ROOTS: The yellow-white roots of Marsh Mallow are sweet and reminiscent of parsnip. Harvesting these roots in the fall allows you to dry them for use in herbal teas and remedies, adding unique flavors and health benefits to your culinary creations while showcasing the plant's versatility.
- ATTRACTIVE FLOWERING DISPLAY & POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: In mid-summer, Marsh Mallow houseplant seeds produces stunning white blooms atop lush green foliage. These charming flowers enhance your garden's visual appeal and attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.
- EASY SOWING AND LOW MAINTENANCE: For best results, sow 5-6 mallow seeds per plant. If starting indoors, refrigerate the seeds in moistened peat moss for 4-6 weeks to promote germination. Once established, Marsh Mallow self-seeds naturally without becoming invasive, allowing for continuous growth with minimal effort.
Rank #4
- Beautiful - Large premium packet of Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis) seed. Perennial herb similar in look to a hollyhock with tall stalks and white and pink flowers. Roots were the original source for today's modern marshmallows. Can be used for medicinal and culinary purposes - imagine the joy of harvesting fresh marshmallow root to create teas, salves or homemade marshmallows! Minimum of 1g per packet (about 500 seeds).
- Productive - Marsh Mallow germinates in 14-21 days when soil temps are 60°F. Plant 1/4” deep and space 12-24” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 3-6’ tall with a spread of 2-3’. Marshmallow flowers in about 120 days, root is ready to be harvested in about 700 days. Plant in USDA zones 3-9.
- Always Have Fresh Marsh Mallow on Hand - Make your own marshmallows right at home! Perfect for hot chocolate and other tasty treats. Used traditionally for medicinal purposes, this herb can also be used to make teas, salves, and poultices. The blossoms are also ideal for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies!
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
Rank #3
- HIGH GERMINATION, PREMIUM HEIRLOOM SEEDS: Grow with confidence using our carefully selected heirloom Marshmallow Seeds, chosen for reliable germination and strong plant establishment in outdoor garden settings.
- EASY TO GROW – INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED: Suitable for gardeners of all experience levels, with clear, step-by-step growing instructions included to support successful planting and growth.
- PERENNIAL PLANT FOR LONG-TERM GARDENS: This true perennial becomes more established over time, making it an excellent choice for gardeners building lasting herb, homestead, or medicinal gardens year after year.
- IDEAL FOR MOIST & LOW-LYING AREAS: Marshmallow performs especially well in moist soil and rain-garden conditions, thriving in areas where many other herbs struggle to grow successfully.
- POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY WITH SOFT FLOWERS: Pale pink blooms add gentle beauty to cottage and herbal gardens while attracting pollinators and supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Rank #2
- SOOTHING HERB FOR TEA – Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) is a traditional herb grown for its gentle, soothing leaves and roots used in herbal teas and infusions for throat support
- HARDY PERENNIAL PLANT – This long-lived herb grows 3–4 ft tall with soft, velvety leaves and pale pink-white blooms that return yearly; thrives in full sun or partial shade once established
- BENEFICIAL GARDEN HERB – Sweet blossoms attract bees and butterflies while the young leaves and roots can be used in herbal tea or light, nourishing recipes inspired by its ancient kitchen uses
- EASY TO GROW FROM SEED – Germinates quickly in moist, well-drained soil; perfect for herbal tea gardens, cottage borders, and sustainable homesteads with minimal care needed
- FAMILY OWNED USA SMALL BUSINESS – Heirloom non-GMO seeds from Survival Garden Seeds, a trusted American brand; always open-pollinated, untreated, and quality tested for garden success
Official sources
- ITIS: Althaea officinalis, taxonomy record.
- U.S. FDA: Substances Added to Food, including the althea root entry.
- European Medicines Agency: Althaeae radix – herbal medicinal product, public summary first published December 2, 2016; an addendum is listed as first published December 8, 2025.
- Health Canada: Marshmallow – Althaea officinalis – Root, natural health product monograph dated December 19, 2025.
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