XCommon Mallow (Malva neglecta)X
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Buttonweed -or- Cheeseplant -or- Cheeseweed -or- Common Mallow (Malva neglecta), family Malvaceae (Mallow)
There are 49 genera in the family, but only 10 species in the genus Malva. A good close look at the flower as our close-up shows, reveals a lovely delicate little flower with purple lines and sweetly scalloped edges. The misfortune of these blooms is that they are swallowed by profuse amounts of foliage that dwarf the flowers almost to non-exsistence. The stems and foliage are tough and leggy, and spreading. Small wonder that these little beasties are classified as invasive weeds!! In spite of this WIKIPEDIA reports that the plants are not only edible but the seeds specifically "contain 21% protein and 15.2% fat". We may have to re-think our wishes to exterminate them from our property.
USES: The following facts on Native American tribes uses of Common Mallow come from the Native American Ethnobotany website: Cherokee Drug (Dermatological Aid) Flowers put in oil and mixed with tallow for use on sores. Iroquois Drug (Dermatological Aid) Compound infusion of plants applied as poultice to swellings of all kinds. Infusion of smashed plant taken to vomit for a love medicine. Compound decoction of plants applied as poultice to baby's swollen stomach. (Love Medicine) Infusion of smashed plant taken to vomit for a love medicine. Cold, compound infusion of leaves applied as poultice to broken bones. (Orthopedic Aid) Compound decoction of plants applied as poultice to baby's sore back. Compound decoction of plants applied to baby's swollen stomach or sore back. Mahuna Drug (Analgesic) Plant used for painful congestion of the stomach. Navajo, Ramah Drug Cold infusion of plant taken and used as a lotion for injury or swelling.
The plant is native to Eurasia and North Africa.
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Plant location: Our own backyard in Northglenn Colorado. The photos were taken May 19, 2008. These plants are found virtually everywhere in the United States and much of Canada. They are plains dwellers found in many locations - including our lawn and flower beds.Plant -
Bloom season: May to October. As with any plant as widely distributed as this, the bloom period probably will vary by region. Foliage -
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