Velvetleaf

Velvetleaf, Buttonweed, Indian Hemp

Abutilon theophrasti Medik.

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

▲ ▼ mature plants

▲ leaf

▲ ▼ flowers and fruit

Velvetleaf (also called Buttonweed, Indian Hemp): (pp.362-363, Weeds of the Great Plains; pp. 256-257, Weeds of the Northeast)

  • Summer annual broadleaf in same plant family as cotton
  • Grows 2-6’ tall, with large heart-shaped, “velvety" leaves
  • Small orange flowers in leaf axils are followed by round, spiked, “button-like" fruit
  • Crushed foliage emits a pungent odor
  • Is a major problem weed, due to fast growth/shading potential in many agronomic crops
  • Germinates in late spring, but grows very rapidly after germination
  • Strong stem fibers lend the “indian hemp" name

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