This alien member of the mallow family is an annual or occasionally biennial plant found throughout the United States. It is a native of Eurasia but has spread widely spread in North America except for some parts of the Deep South. It is a small creeping plant found in lawns and disturbed areas, particularly near culverts, fence lines and foundations and often considered a weed.

Although insignificant in appearance, it does have an attractive flower that resembles that of a hollyhock. You just have to get close to appreciate it. The flower is about ½ inch in diameter and is a pale rose or lavender color. There are 5 petals and the flowers grow from the leaf axils. The petals are heart-shaped and notched. The stamens are united in a column around the style. The flowers do provide both a nectar and pollen “reward” for a variety of pollinating insects.

The stems can grow horizontally about 2 feet long. The leaves are roundish with five to seven shallow lobes or scallops. The veins are prominent. It can grow in dry areas because it has a deep taproot. The “cheese” in its name refers to the flat, round seedpod that looks like a cheese wheel. The plant spreads primarily by seed since the stems do not root where they touch the ground. It blooms early May to September, occasionally up to October. This plant is often consumed as a food, with its leaves, stalks and seeds all being considered edible. The seeds contain 21% protein and over 15% fat.