Common mallow (Malva neglecta; of the mallow family) and is a relative of cotton, okra, and hibiscus. Mallow has stems that are generally low spreading, the branches erect from 2" to 20" long. Leaves are rounded with a heart-shaped base, 3/4" to 3 1/2" in diameter. Flower petals are from white to pale lavender. The seed pod looks like a round or wheel of cheese, which gives it a nickname of "cheeseweed" or "buttonweed."
This is another edible weed. Edible weeds can give us added variety to our meals, besides some nutrition. The little cheese wheels can be eaten raw. They don't have a whole lot of flavor, but have a slight resemblance to okra. The leaves can be harvested and cooked like spinach. Mallow leaves are high in calcium and iron, and freeze well. Boil the leaves until wilted, drain, and freeze in large zip lock bags for later use. They have a thickening effect when added to soup (also showing the okra relation). The flowers are also edible, although they don't add much flavor, they are great for appearance. Both the flowers and the cheeses would make any salad look interesting.
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