Is Malva neglecta a weed?

Yes, it is widely considered a common weed in gardens and disturbed areas.

Yes, the immature green seeds are edible and have a mild, nutty flavor.

Plant guide

Common Mallow.

Malva neglecta

Pronounced MAL-vuh neg-LEK-tuh

Also known as Buttonweed, Cheeseplant, Cheeseweed, Common Mallow, Dwarf Mallow, Dwarf Mallow, Commom Mallow

Common mallow is a hardy, low growing plant often found in disturbed soils and gardens. It produces small, delicate flowers and has a trailing habit. It is widely considered a weed in many regions due to its persistent nature.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual or biennial herb
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: direct
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 30 cm height, 60 cm spread
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

Care

This plant thrives in full sun and tolerates a variety of soil conditions. Keep an eye out for rapid spread, as it can quickly take over garden beds. It requires very little maintenance beyond occasional removal if it becomes invasive.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer sparingly during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back stems to control spread and encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes root bound in a container.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -10 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Annual or short lived perennial.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Stunted growth despite regular watering.
Soil drying out much faster than usual.

Safety

People: This plant is not considered toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The small, round seed pods could pose a choking hazard to very small children if ingested.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can be a minor allergen for those sensitive to windborne particles.
Edibility: While the leaves and seeds are generally considered edible, avoid harvesting from areas treated with pesticides or near roadsides.

How to identify it

rounded leaves with wavy margins
small white to pale pink flowers
trailing stems along the ground
disk shaped fruit segments

Height: 0.1 to 0.3m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, pink, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: green, brown, Summer to autumn

Common problems

Rust — Fungal infection causing orange or brown spots on the undersides of leaves.
Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.

Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: In colder climates, the plant typically dies back to the ground and may regrow from seeds dropped in the fall.
In containers: It grows well in containers, but requires at least a 2 gallon pot to accommodate its taproot.

Seed Sowing

1. Collect the mature, dried seed pods in late summer.
2. Sow the seeds directly into the garden in autumn or spring.
3. Cover lightly with soil and keep moist until germination occurs.

Plant it in areas where you want to improve soil structure, as its taproot helps break up compacted ground.

Grows well with

Common Yarrow — Both plants thrive in similar sunny, disturbed conditions.
Plantain — They often grow together in compacted soil areas.

Keep away from

Similar species

Common Mallow — It has larger, more showy flowers than the modest Malva neglecta.
Cheeseweed Mallow — It looks very similar but typically has a more upright growth habit.

Science

Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Malva
Order: Malvales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia.
Conservation: It is a widespread, common weed and is not of conservation concern.

It survives by colonizing disturbed soils and waste areas where it can quickly establish a taproot.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: edible leaves, edible seeds, ground cover

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is Malva neglecta a weed?: Yes, it is widely considered a common weed in gardens and disturbed areas.
Can I eat the seeds?: Yes, the immature green seeds are edible and have a mild, nutty flavor.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Malva is derived from the Greek word malache, meaning soft, referring to the soothing properties of the leaves. The species name neglecta means overlooked or neglected.

Good to know

The plant has a long history of being used as a famine food.
It is a very resilient plant that thrives in compacted soil.
The leaves contain mucilage which gives them a slightly slippery texture when cooked.

Is your common mallow looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.