Dwarf Mallow

Dwarf Mallow on rough ground, Walberswick, Suffolk

Close-up of flower

With my fingers - for size

Narrow epicalyx segements below wider, hairy sepals

Prostrate habit and leaves

Young leaves and downy stem
Malva neglecta
Malvaceae
May to September and all year during mild winters.
It is found throughout the country except for parts of the North
and the far Southwest.
See the BSBI distribution map for Dwarf Mallow
It is an archaeophyte, which has grown in the UK since the Romans.
It grows on rough ground, in trampled gateways, by paths and roads,
and in tidal drift-lines.
It is probably on the decline in the West and North.
Dwarf Mallow is a sprawling, annual herb, growing up to 60cm.
It can over-winter in mild areas.
The flowers are up to 2.5cm across, with 5 pale lilac to white,
shallow-notched, lilac-veined, petals.
The 5 sepals are ovate and hairy, and are above the 3 lanceolate
epicalyx segments.
The leaves are stalked, up to 7cm, kidney-shaped, crinkly when
young, and with 5 to 7 shallow lobes.
Stems are downy.
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