Integrated Pest Management

Common Mallow

Malva neglecta

Common Mallow

Common mallow growth habit (Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)

Common Mallow

Common mallow flowers (Ohio State Weed Lab, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org)

Common Mallow

Common mallow taproot (Ohio State Weed Lab, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org)

 

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.