Dwarf mallow

Malva neglecta

Malva neglecta, commonly known as common mallow or cheeseweed, is a herbaceous annual or biennial plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Here's a detailed description:

Botanical Description:

  1. Habit:

    • Common mallow is an erect, spreading plant with a bushy growth habit.

  2. Height:

    • It typically grows to a height of about 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches).

  3. Leaves:

    • The leaves are alternate, rounded, and palmately lobed with five to seven lobes. They are soft to the touch and have a mild scent.

  4. Stems:

    • The stems are round, often reddish or green, and covered with fine hairs.

  5. Flowers:

    • The flowers are pink or purple with darker veins, and they have five petals. They are about 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) in diameter.

  6. Inflorescence:

    • The flowers are arranged in clusters at the leaf axils.

  7. Fruit:

    • After flowering, the plant produces round, disc-shaped fruits with multiple segments, each containing a single seed.

Identification Tips:

  • Soft, Rounded Leaves:

    • The soft, rounded leaves with palmate lobes are a distinctive feature.

  • Pink to Purple Flowers:

    • Look for the pink or purple flowers with darker veins.

  • Clustered Fruits:

    • The round fruits are clustered at the leaf axils.

Habitat:

  • Distribution:

    • Common mallow is widespread and can be found in various regions around the world.

  • Habitat:

    • It is often found in disturbed areas, lawns, gardens, and along roadsides.

Uses:

  • Edible Greens:

    • The leaves of common mallow are edible and have been historically used in salads and cooked dishes.

  • Medicinal Uses:

    • In some traditional medicine practices, common mallow has been used for its potential medicinal properties.

Management and Control:

  1. Cultural Practices:

    • Maintaining a healthy lawn or garden with thick vegetation can help suppress the growth of common mallow.

  2. Manual Removal:

    • Hand-pulling or hoeing can be effective for small infestations, especially when done before the plant produces seeds.

  3. Herbicides:

    • Selective herbicides labeled for use on broadleaf weeds may be used in areas where control is necessary. Always follow recommended application rates and guidelines.