Overview
Round-leaved mallow is an annual broadleaf plant that is very competitive in cultivated crops and has the ability to rapidly spread through its abundant production of seed. Seeds have a very hard seed coat and can remain dormant in the soil for many years.
Main description
Seedling
The Round-leaved mallow’s initial two leaves are heart shaped and alternate. Leaves are hairy and petioles are long and hairy as well.
Mature plant
The leaves remain alternate at maturity and become kidney shaped. They also have distinct veins and slightly jagged edges. Leaves are covered in small hairs and have long petioles. The plant can range from 10-90 cm in height with branching, hairy stems. Flowers have 5 petals and vary in colour from white to light purple. These can be arranged in clusters or can be single flowers found at the end of stems. Flowering begins in March.
Optimal growth conditions
The hard seed coat enables this weed to remain dormant in the soil for up to 100 years. Seeds germinate in moist soils late in the spring, optimally at temperatures of 15 to 20oC, growing throughout the summer.
Visit the Bayer CropScience Compendium site for more details »