M. verticillata is an annual or biennial that grow up to 1.7 meters in high and can inhabit woodland areas of different soil types.

The small, symmetrical flowers have five white, pink or red petals (0.8 cm) and thirteen or more stamens.

[6] Mallow is mentioned in Huangdi Neijing as one of the five consumable herbs (五菜) which included mallow (葵), pea leaves (藿), Allium macrostemon (薤), Welsh onion (蔥) and Garlic chives (韭).

[7] It is mentioned in the Zuo Zhuan in Duke Cheng's reign by Confucius to compare to the head of the Bao clan saying he is not as smart as a kuicai (mallow) because it keeps its roots to the ground.

In his Nong Shu [Agricultural Manual], Wang Zhen wrote that mallow came top among various vegetables, because "it could be alternative in years of crop failure, or be marinated to serve with staples".