Velvet Leaf

(Abutilon theophrasti)

 

Color Photograph: Virginia Tech Weed ID Guide, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Velvet Leaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Alien: Native of southeast Asia.

Identification: Flowers yellow, 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, with 5 petals with slightly indented tips. Center of flower with a column of fused stamens. Flowers arising singly from the leaf axils. Stems and leaves with a dense, velvety pubescence. Leaves large (4 to 10 inches), heart-shaped, with an acute tip. Plant 3 to 5 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of North America.

Habitat: Velvet Leaf is a species of disturbed habitats such as fields, empty lots, and roadsides.

Flowering period: July to October.

Velvet Leaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Similar Species:

The mallowlike yellow flowers and the large, heart-shaped, velvety leaves easily identify this species.

Similar Species

No Similar Species