This biennial may just be a rare escape from cultivation (as edible "cheeses" or ornamental "high mallow"), with colls. from JEFF (MM for WKY, and Ind. Univ. SE) and PIKE (NCU). The former has been referred to var. mauritiana (L.) Boiss., which is not recognized in recent treatments. The species has had much ancient use for human food, and remains important during times of need (Redzic 2010).