Quercus

Small Mallow; Dwarf Mallow; Cheeses; Low Mallow; Dwarfmallow; Smallmallow

Malva pusilla

Not native to Kentucky

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

14CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including KY

Genus host records with ranges including KY · Malva

  • Agrotis ipsilonIpsilon Dart, Black Cutworm, Greasy Cutworm
  • Anarta trifoliiThe Nutmeg, Clover Cutworm
  • Anomis erosaYellow Scallop Moth, Mallow Caterpillar
  • Burnsius communisCommon Checkered-Skipper
  • Chloridea virescensTobacco Budworm Moth
  • Helicoverpa zeaCorn Earworm Moth
  • Mimoschinia rufofascialisRufous-Banded Crambid
  • Orgyia leucostigmaWhite-Marked Tussock Moth
  • Rachiplusia ouGray Looper
  • Spodoptera eridaniaSouthern Armyworm Moth
Show all 14
  • Strymon melinusGray Hairstreak
  • Trichoplusia niNi Moth, Cabbage Looper Moth
  • Vanessa carduiPainted Lady, Cosmopolite
  • Vanessa virginiensisAmerican Lady, American Painted Lady
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
5BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Recorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim · Malva

  • Callipepla californicaCalifornia Quail
  • Columbina passerinaCommon Ground Dove
  • Pheucticus melanocephalusBlack-headed Grosbeak
  • Zenaida asiaticaWhite-winged Dove
  • Zenaida macrouraMourning Dove
Hurlbert, Olsen, Sawyer & Winner 2021, Avian Diet Database, Scientific Data 8: 260 (CC0)
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Malvaceae

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Conservation status

Kentucky rankNot available
Global rankNot available
KY statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source

Native alternatives

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Sources