Common mallow (cheeseweed)
Malva neglecta
A low spreading plant of gardens and disturbed ground with rounded, shallowly lobed leaves, small pale five-petalled flowers and wheel-shaped seed fruits. Identified leaves have culinary uses as greens; mature seeds have documented use after cooking like a grain.
Native range
Europe, North Africa and Central Asia; introduced in North America, including Ontario.
Typical season
Leaf and mature-seed uses have different timing. Growth, mowing and local climate affect availability; no validated Toronto-specific monthly picking calendar is assigned.
Identification
Check the rounded, scalloped leaves on long stalks, notched five-petalled flowers and segmented cheese-wheel fruits together. Geranium weeds can resemble it but generally have more deeply divided leaves. This profile refers to Malva neglecta, not every plant called mallow. Use clean, identified material; prepare mature seeds as described in reviewed food guidance.