Red Flowered Mallow
Creeping Mallow (Modiola caroliniana) is also known as Red Flowered Mallow. It is a rhizomatous, low growing biennial or perennial weed. It is a problem in turf, lawns and gardens.
Jerry Spencer 
Creeping Mallow (Modiola caroliniana) is also known as Red Flowered Mallow. It is a rhizomatous, low growing biennial or perennial weed. It is a problem in turf, lawns and gardens.
As a biennial weed it needs two seasons to complete its life cycle. It tends to produce vegetative growth in its first year. In the second year it flowers and sets seed.
Why is Creeping Mallow a Problem Weed?
- Because of its below ground root system, this weed spreads easily.
- It forms dense mats that choke out vegetation.
- It competes with other plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
- This weed causes nerve disorders in sheep, cattle and goats (staggers).
- Aesthetically it is a problem in lawns, and gardens.
It is a soil indicator of low soil Ca and wet, compact soils with poor drainage. It also indicates high K, Fe, Al, and very high Mg.
More on turf weeds is in this weed ID chart.
