Common mallow - Malva neglecta (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Control)

Common mallow

Also known as: Mallow, Roundleaf mallow, Buttonweed

Common mallow originates in Eurasia and is considered to be an invasive plant in North America. It can take hold quickly in disturbed soils, generating extensive taproot networks that are hard to eliminate. Its seeds can survive for a long time in the soil. Once the seed coat is broken and exposed to water, it can germinate. With its slightly rounded leaves, it is often mistaken for a geranium weed, but geranium leaves are more deeply-dissected.

Scientific classification

Species

Common mallow (Malva neglecta)

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Spring, Mid summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

Brown

Fruit Color

White, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Images of Common mallow

Distribution of Common mallow

Distribution Map

Common mallow has an extensive native range covering much of Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. Its distribution is even more vast, Including North and South America and areas of South Africa. Its native ecosystem is waste and disturbed lands in dry soil. Common mallow is listed as invasive in the several states in the US because it's difficult to remove.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Waste, cultivated ground, dry soils, coastal habitats, dry walls, cultivated ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

One of the hardiest flowering plants you can find in a temperate garden, common mallow is tough, easy-care and produces summer blooms in a variety of colors. They can be planted anywhere in the garden where lower-lying flowers fit, and are a particularly good choice for pollinator gardens. Securely-bordered beds and containers are especially appropriate, as this plant loves to take over.

Symbolism

Sweet disposition

Name Story

Common mallow||Cheeseweed: It appears to resemble the hollyhock plant. Since it is the most common plant in the Malva genus, it is called common mallow. Also, common mallows are self-sowing annuals or biennials. Sometimes, it is called "cheeseweed" because of the seeds that have a similar appearance to cheese wheels.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Common mallow is not toxic to humans. However, nitrogen-rich soil can cause common mallow to accumulate nitrates in its leaves, which are harmful if ingested in large quantities and may increase cancer risk. Symptoms include lowered blood pressure, fainting, headaches, dizziness, and weakness. Common mallow does not cause skin reactions or airborne allergies.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Common mallow is a weed that grows in almost every state in the U.S. Its usual habitats are lawns, gardens, roadsides, and crop areas. It is sometimes cultivated intentionally in herb gardens. However, this plant is considered an invasive weed in the United States. Mallow weeds growing in landscapes and turf impact aesthetic value, while weed density can decrease crop yields by competing for space and soil nutrients. Seedlings send out a taproot that quickly becomes woody and difficult to remove. Hoeing is an effective method to extract the entire plant.

How to Control It

The best season to remove common mallow or Common mallow is during the late winter to early spring, before it starts flowering and seed production. The plant needs to be removed before it reaches the seed-setting stage to prevent its spread. Here are some methods for controlling or removing this weed:

Hand pulling: Wet the soil thoroughly, then gently pull the plant out, ensuring that its entire root system comes out. Repeat the process if new plants appear.
Mulching: Cover the affected area with a thick layer of organic mulch. This will block the sunlight and make it harder for common mallow to grow.
Crop rotation and cultivation: Practice rotating your crops each year and cultivating the soil regularly. This will help reduce the chance of common mallow establishing in your garden.
Solarization: In the summertime, cover the infested area with a clear plastic sheet for 4-6 weeks. The heat generated will kill the common mallow seeds in the soil.
Use of cover crops: Planting cover crops, like ryegrass or buckwheat, can out-compete common mallow for resources, thus controlling its growth.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Common mallow

Circular to kidney-shaped leaves, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) across with shallow lobes.

Delicate flowers with 5 light pink to white petals and a darker center.

Prostrate or decumbent growth, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height.

Small, round 'cheese' fruits, resembling flattened pods with 10-12 seeds.

Distinctive leaf texture: fuzzy, gray-green, with scalloped or toothed edges.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Common mallow

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Common mallow thrives in moderate moisture and prefers consistent hydration, needing weekly watering for optimal health. While it can tolerate short dry spells, careful attention to water during the active growing season is essential to avoid overwatering and maintain health.

Fertilize: Annual fertilizing is crucial for the hardy common mallow. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a 10:10:10 N:P:K ratio in late winter or early spring, and water generously. Additionally, incorporate organic compost when planting to improve soil enrichment and drainage.

Pruning: Common mallow thrives with occasional pruning, ideally in late winter or early spring post-frost. Trim shoots to the first set of leaves for dense growth. Use clean, sharp shears and disinfect tools between cuts to prevent cross-contamination and frost damage.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Common mallow

Distribution of Common mallow

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Common mallow

Care Guide for Common mallow

PEOPLE ALSO ASK