Plant Details

Lavatera spp.

Tree Lavatera

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Lavatera spp..

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Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Tree Lavatera
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Bekermalva
  • Struiklavatera
  • Struikmalva
French
  • Lavatère arbustive
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Lavatera spp.
Botanical family: Malvaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Lavatera (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Tree Lavatera

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 2.40 m
Spread: 1.80 m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: Evergreen

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7-10
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Flowers, Leaves
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(0)
Functions:
None

Description

Young leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked, although they are tough and not very flavorful. When cooked, they have a somewhat slimy texture. The flowers have a pleasant mild taste and make a beautiful decoration in salads when eaten raw.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/07
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 242432; name ID 2494358; Lavatera L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.