Cheeseweed Mallow (Malva parviflora): Common Weed with Edible Leaves and Flowers

Overview

Cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora), also called little mallow or small-flowered mallow, is a widespread annual or biennial weed of disturbed soils, gardens, and roadsides. It has rounded, lobed leaves on sprawling stems and tiny, pale pink to white flowers in leaf axils. The fruit resembles a tiny cheese wheel (hence "cheeseweed").

Botanical Details

• Family: Malvaceae (mallow family)
• Genus: Malva
• Species: parviflora

Edibility & Management

Young leaves and shoots are edible raw or cooked (mucilaginous, mild). Flowers garnish salads. Seeds (cheeses) edible. High in vitamins. Can accumulate nitrates in fertile soils. Control by pulling before seed set; taproot makes mature plants hard to remove. Indicates disturbed, nitrogen-rich soil.