Cheeseweed mallow - Malva parviflora (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Control)

Cheeseweed mallow

Also known as: Little Mallow, Marshmallow, Small Mallow, Small-Flowered Mallow, Cheeseplant, Egyptian mallow

Cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora) is a plant species native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Cheeseweed mallow has a variety of other common names including Egyptian mallow, marshmallow, small-flowered mallow, and mallow. This species is naturalized in many places.

Scientific classification

Species

Cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora)

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, Biennial, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Harvest Time

50 cm

Plant Height

2 m

Spread

White, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Cheeseweed mallow

Distribution of Cheeseweed mallow

Distribution Map

Cheeseweed mallow is native to Asia, Europe and North Africa. It is found on disturbed land and fields. It has been introduced to southern Africa, Oceania, and North & South America. Cheeseweed mallow has been cited as invasive in Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand.

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

Fields, wasteland

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Like some of its cousin mallows, cheeseweed mallow is a very tough, prolific flowering herb which is planted for its looks and adaptability to different soils and conditions. It can be used like any other flowering plant in the garden, but does especially well in Mediterranean and desert gardens. Because it is so prolific, it is often grown in a contained area such as a bordered bed or a planter.

Symbolism

Sweet disposition

Name Story

Cheeseweed mallow: The schizocarps of the Malva parviflora remind people of a sliced wheel of cheese. This is probably the reason why this plant is best known by the names of Cheeseweed and Cheeseweed Mallow.

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

Cheeseweed mallow leaves can accumulate nitrates in nitrogen-rich soil, harmful to humans when ingested extensively or cooked at high temperatures, potentially causing cancer and lowering blood pressure. Cheeseweed mallow is toxic to dogs and cats, particularly through leaf consumption, leading to poisoning symptoms. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets ingest cheeseweed mallow.

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

Cheeseweed mallow is a weed found in much of the United States from Texas to California and Hawaii, as well as Canada and Australia, where it appears in lawns, gardens, croplands and along roadsides. It does not appear on any state or national invasive species lists. The weed can be poisonous to mammals, including cattle, and cause lower quality eggs if eaten by poultry. It can reduce crop yield and interfere with harvesting. The plant quickly develops a strong root, making it difficult to remove. Cultivation by hoeing will help eliminate the plants, hand removal of single plants or herbicide usage.

How to Control It

The best season to remove cheeseweed mallow is usually in late winter or early spring, before the plant could mature and produce seeds. Here are some methods for removing or controlling this weed:

Hand pulling: This is the simplest method. Use your hands to gently pull the plant out from the soil, ensuring you get all of its roots to prevent it from growing back.
Mulching: You can use organic mulches like straw or wood chips. Cover the soil around the plants with the mulch, it will block the sunlight thus suppressing the growth of cheeseweed mallow.
Solarization: This method works best in the hot summer months. First, wet the area to be treated, then cover it with a clear plastic sheet. Secure the edges of the sheet in the ground, leave it for 4-6 weeks. The heat created underneath the sheet will kill cheeseweed mallow.
Natural herbicides: Certain vinegar-based solutions can be used as a natural herbicide. However, be aware that these solutions can also kill other plants they come into contact with.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

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

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Cheeseweed mallow

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from variable moisture regions, cheeseweed mallow thrives with moderate watering. It prefers consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. A weekly watering schedule is ideal, with increased frequency during dry spells to compensate for natural rainfall shortages.

Fertilize: To promote healthy growth, the hardy cheeseweed mallow should be fertilized annually with a slow-release fertilizer (N:P:K 10:10:10) in late winter or early spring. Water well after fertilizing, and consider adding organic compost during planting for improved soil nutrition and drainage.

Pruning: The cheeseweed mallow thrives with occasional pruning, ideally in late winter or early spring after frosts. Trim shoots to the first leaf set to encourage healthy growth. Use clean, sharp shears and disinfect tools between cuts to prevent cross-contamination.

Propagation: Propagation of cheeseweed mallow is best done in Spring by sowing seeds. Success is indicated by germination and seedling growth. It is crucial to use well-draining soil to promote optimal growth.

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 Cheeseweed mallow

Distribution of Cheeseweed mallow

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Cheeseweed mallow

PEOPLE ALSO ASK