Plant Profile: Malva neglecta

The common mallow thrives in areas where the soil has been disturbed. Belonging to the Malvaceae family, which encompasses several valued plants such as cotton, hibiscus, and okra, this species includes Althaea officinalis, the original source of marshmallow confectionery. In the United States, it is classified as an invasive weed and is often described as an annual, winter annual, or biennial plant due to its year-round growth.

Mallows reproduce solely through seeds, which possess a thick outer coat that delays germination while enabling them to endure in the soil for extended periods. If the seed coat is scratched or damaged, moisture can enter, prompting germination.

Once germinated, seedlings develop a taproot that quickly becomes woody, making manual or tool-assisted removal challenging. It is most effective to eliminate seedlings before they develop four true leaves. Preventing plants from flowering and seeding is crucial to reducing the seed bank in the soil for future seasons. Methods like solarization and flaming are ineffective for controlling this weed.

Common mallow can easily be mistaken for the Common Carolina geranium weed; however, the latter features more finely dissected leaves.