Hello, I recently saw this coming up through some sawdust piles on our acreage on Whidbey Island, WA. It is quite a large plant, 3 - 4 feet across, vining and prostrate, with small (1/2 inch) pale pink and white flowers. It may have come in with some cover crop seed. I would love to know what it is. And should I burn it dead with fire like all the other stuff I'm trying to eradicate from the land? I'd really appreciate any help. Thank you.
Looks like Malva neglecta or similar. Malva is not from N. America, but some species are widely naturalized here. When I was a kid we called this button weed and ate the green, button like fruit.
Dear Eric, Thank you! I think you're right. Goodness knows how it landed there, but I'll collect the seeds for next year. Best, Lizzy
Will take care of itself without your help. You will see it popping up here and there. Quite common, but not to the point of being invasive.
The fact that it has naturalized across most of North America indicates that it is indeed invasive: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=mane If your goal is to promote native species, then, yes, this would be another weed to eradicate, rather than to plant from seed.
It is quite pesky weed in my backyard. Has a strong and deep root. Once established, difficult to eradicate.
