Common Mallow (Malva neglecta): The Herbicide-Resistant Lawn Invader You Can Eat

When Weed Killers Fail, Try the Kitchen

The low, spreading weed with round leaves and small pale flowers resisting Weed-B-Gon and Roundup in your Virginia lawn is Common Mallow (Malva neglecta).

Why It’s Tough

• Deep, extensive taproot (“roots to another zip code”).
• Resists most herbicides; 2,4-D only slows it.
• Too short for mower; hand-digging impractical for large areas.

Unconventional Solution: Eat It

• Leaves, flowers, and young shoots are edible—raw or cooked.
• Roots were original marshmallow ingredient.
• Can substitute for rennet in cheesemaking.
• Used in skincare products.

Management guide: UC IPM Mallow Notes.

— Identified by Susan