As a primary plant pigment, its glycosides are highly abundant in nature.

Malvidin is responsible for the blue color found in petals of the Primula plants of the polyanthus group.

It is responsible primarily for the color of red wine, Vitis vinifera being one of its sources.

[2][3] Slightly acidic and neutral solutions of malvidin are characteristically of a red color, while basic solutions of malvidin yield a blue color.

The breakdown of malvidin releases syringic acid as revealed in the examination of jars containing shedeh, a drink of Ancient Egypt.