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.
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in...