Is common mallow a weed?

Yes, it is often considered a weed, but it is also a useful edible plant.

Hand pulling is effective, especially before it sets seed.

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 features a sprawling habit with rounded leaves and small, delicate flowers. It is a resilient species that adapts well to various conditions.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous annual or biennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 60 cm
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

Care

This plant thrives in sunny spots with well drained soil. Keep an eye out for aphids or rust on the leaves during humid spells. It is quite tough and usually requires little intervention.

Watering: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer sparingly during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back leggy stems to encourage a bushier growth habit.
Repotting: Repot if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Well drained, loamy soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -20 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.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non-toxic and is often consumed as a wild edible.
Children: The plant is safe for children, though the small seed pods could pose a minor choking hazard if ingested in large quantities.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the fine hairs on the leaves.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.
Edibility: While the leaves and fruits are edible, avoid plants growing near roadsides or contaminated soil as they readily absorb toxins.

How to identify it

Rounded leaves with five to seven lobes
Small white or pale pink flowers
Sprawling stems along the ground
Circular, cheese wheel shaped seed pods

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

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
RustCommon
Mallow Flea BeetleUncommon
Powdery MildewUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, the plant will die back to the ground. No special care is needed as it often self seeds for the following year.
In containers: It grows well in containers, provided the pot is at least 20 centimeters deep.

Seed

Collect mature seed pods in late summer.
Sow seeds directly into prepared soil in autumn or spring.
Keep the soil lightly moist until germination occurs.

Allow this plant to grow in edges of the garden to provide early nectar for beneficial insects.

Grows well with

Dandelion — They share similar growing conditions in disturbed soil.
White Clover — Both are low growing plants that can act as a living mulch.

Similar species

High Mallow — It is a larger, more ornamental relative with showier flowers.

Science

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

It is a pioneer species that quickly colonizes disturbed ground and bare soil.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: edible leaves, medicinal tea, 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
Nutrients: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is common mallow a weed?: Yes, it is often considered a weed, but it is also a useful edible plant.
How do I control it?: Hand pulling is effective, especially before it sets seed.

Where the name comes from

The name Malva comes from the Greek word malakos, meaning soft, referring to the soothing properties of the leaves. Neglecta means neglected, as it often grows in overlooked areas.

Good to know

Commonly known as common mallow or cheeseplant.
The leaves have a mild, pleasant flavor and can be used in salads.
It thrives in disturbed soil and is often found in gardens and along paths.
The plant has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine.

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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.