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Integrated Crop Management
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Common mallow

Common mallow                   Malva neglecta Wallr.

Family:   Malvaceae (mallow family)
Life cycle:  Annual or biennial
Native status: Introduced,
Habitat:  Low maintenance turf; landscapes; waste areas

General description:  Prostrate to decumbent growth habit, stems up to 2 ft long.  Leaves alternate, long petioled, round to  kidney shape with crenate margin (rounded teeth).  Short hairs on leaves and stems give them a rough texture.   Flowers have five white petals, usually with violet veins.  Fruit is a flattened disk containing 10-20 carpels.

Key ID traits:  Round leaves with long petioles and crenate margin; decumbent growth habit. Stems covered with stiff pubescence.

Similar species:  The leaves of common mallow are similar in shape to ground ivy; however, leaves of mallow are alternate versus the opposite of ground ivy. Also, common mallow leaves are rough due to pubescence and lack the minty odor of ground ivy

Miscellaneous:   A medicinal herb that was introduced from Europe. Also referred to as cheeseweed since the circular fruit resembles a wheel of cheese.  

common mallow with long petioled, circular leaves with serated margin
Spreading growth habit of common mallow with long petioled, circular leaves with serated margin
White flowers
Flowers have five rectangular white petals with notched ends.
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.
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