Integrated Pest Management
Common Mallow
Malva neglecta
Description
- low-growing (4 inches – 2 feet high) matted plant with deep branched taproot
- coin-shaped leaves are 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter, have wavy margins and one deep lobe that extends to thick hairy stem
- flowers are white to pink in color and have five petals and a funnel shape;
- fruit is shaped like a cheese wheel and houses 10 to 12 seeds
Location
- commonly grows in planting beds and bare patches in lawn areas
Life Cycle
- common mallow can be an annual, biennial or perennial based on growing conditions
- seeds germinate throughout the growing season with adequate moisture (mid-spring to early autumn)
- flowers and fruit are produced from early summer to mid-fall and mature plants may stay green throughout winter
IPM Recommendations
- Effective control must target both aboveground and underground plant structures.
- Hand-pull plants in planting beds prior to seed maturation.
- Apply a mulch layer 3 inches deep on planting beds to reduce seed germination.
- Maintain healthy, competitive desirable vegetation.
- Apply an appropriate post-emergent broadleaf herbicide directly to target weeds.