Plants of the San Marcos Foothills Preserve
Malva parviflora (Cheeseweed)
Uncommon, native, perennial shrub found in coastal sage-scrub plant community, but also on the edges of oak woodland. Flowers are yellow (aging red). Blooms in spring. Previous scientific name: Lotus scoparius.
Comparison between Malva nicaeensis (left) and Malva parviflora (right).
Malva parviflora (Cheeseweed). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in late winter.
Malva parviflora (Cheeseweed). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in late winter
Malva parviflora (Cheeseweed). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in late winter. Note underside of fruit with thin bracts below leafy sepals (vs. leafy bracts below leafy sepals in Malva nicaeensis).
Malva parviflora (Cheeseweed). NON-NATIVE. Seedlings pictured in winter.