Common Mallow (Malva neglecta): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
Triclopyr + 2,4-D (TZone SE) or SpeedZone kills Common Mallow effectively between 55°F and 80°F.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Round to kidney-shaped leaves with 5 to 7 shallow lobes and crinkled margins
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Stems spreading out horizontally from a tough, woody central taproot
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Small white to pale lilac flowers followed by flat disc-like fruit resembling rounds of cheese ('cheeses')
What is the best herbicide for Common Mallow?
Triclopyr + 2,4-D (TZone SE) or SpeedZone kills Common Mallow effectively between 55°F and 80°F.
Mallow forms a tough taproot and waxy leaf layer as it ages. Triclopyr penetrates the taproot crown to prevent vegetative resprouting.
When should you treat Common Mallow?
Spray in spring or early autumn when seedlings are small and tender.
Avoid waiting until woody 'cheeses' fruit capsules form in summer.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Common Mallow
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Common Mallow, including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer EPA Reg. 2217-833 |
2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62% Group 4 + Group 14 (Synthetic Auxins + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 85°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT add surfactant. Adding NIS or MSO increases ester volatility and causes severe contact burn on desirable cool-season turf. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| TZone SE EPA Reg. 2217-920 |
Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66% Group 4 + Group 14 (Pyridine Auxin + Phenoxy + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 80°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT mix with surfactant when temperatures exceed 75°F. In cool spring or fall conditions (55°F–70°F), 0.5 tsp NIS per gallon improves waxy leaf penetration on Wild Violet. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Common Mallow Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
How to Distinguish Common Mallow from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Creeping Charlie | Creeping Charlie has square stems and opposite leaves that smell of mint; Common Mallow has round stems, alternate leaves, and a deep woody taproot. |