ExplorePlants

dwarf mallow

Malva neglecta

Dwarf mallow is a small, leafy plant that grows close to the ground. It has pretty pink flowers that attract butterflies and bees, making it a lovely sight in gardens and fields.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The dwarf mallow is a low-growing plant with rounded, deeply lobed leaves resembling small lily pads. Its dainty, five-petaled flowers are typically pale pink or white with subtle darker veins, emerging from the leaf axils. It often forms spreading mats close to the ground.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyMalvaceaeGenusMalva
dwarf mallow
aromatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
dwarf mallow

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Romans cultivated mallow and believed it had powerful healing properties for many ailments.

Its unique fruit looks exactly like a tiny wheel of cheese, which is why it's nicknamed "cheese plant"!

People have eaten dwarf mallow leaves and roots for thousands of years, especially in tough times.

This tough little plant can grow almost anywhere, from cracks in sidewalks to rich garden soil.

Special abilities

Ability

Seed Power

Dwarf mallow can launch its 'cheese wheel' seeds, scattering them widely to find new places to grow.

Ability

Deep Drinker

It has a strong taproot that can reach deep into the soil, helping it survive dry spells and find water.

Ability

Quick Sprout

This plant can sprout and grow very quickly in disturbed soils, allowing it to colonize new areas fast.

Measurements & details

Height
10-60 cm
Spread
20-90 cm
Flower Size
1-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

eats

Mallow skipper

Pyrgus malvae

caterpillars feed on leaves

eaten by

European rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

grazes on leaves and stems

eats

Mallow leafminer

Liriomyza malvae

larvae tunnel within leaves

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or eating any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is dwarf mallow?

10-60 cm

How wide does dwarf mallow spread?

20-90 cm

How big are the flowers on dwarf mallow?

1-1.5 cm

When does dwarf mallow bloom?

Late spring to fall

Is dwarf mallow edible?

Yes

Is dwarf mallow toxic?

None

What is dwarf mallow's lifecycle?

Annual

How is dwarf mallow pollinated?

Insect

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