Although this biennial, or perennial, is most often found in waste places, occasionally it will persist in turf areas. Mallow emerges from a deep taproot and sends out sprawling branches that trail along the ground. Unlike ivy, with which it is most often confused, mallow does not develop roots when its branches touch the ground. Leaves are round, have sharply serrated edges and are found on long stems. Flowers have pinkish-white petals and arise from the juction of leaf stem and main stem. Seed produced by mallow resemble a miniature wheel of cheese. Hence, mallow is often referred to as "cheeses" or "cheese mallow".