velvetleaf
Family
MalvaceaeScientific Name
Abutilon theophrasti
Other Common Names:
buttonweed
pie-maker
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Abutilon abutilon
Abutilon avicennae
Habit
This is an erect summer annual that can grow to 7 feet in height.
Leaves
The alternate leaves are hairy and heart-shaped, and they grow 2 to 6 inches in length. The leaf veins come from the same point. The leaves have finely toothed margins and give off a foul odor when they are crushed.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant is identified by its heart-shaped leaves and the hairs on the stems and leaves. The seedling has hairs below the cotyledons and on them, and the seedling emerges with one heart-shaped leaf and one round cotyledon.
Flower Seed Head
The orangish-yellow to yellow flowers grow on shorter branches or stalks than the leaves. The flower grows from the joint where the leaf stalk connects to the main stem. Each flower has 5 petals and grow from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter.
Seed Fruit
The seed pod is circular and contains a ring of spikes that come from the center of the seed pod. The seed pod is also slightly hairy and looks like chopped off okra.
Where Found
This plant can be found in most agricultural settings throughout the US, especially where the soil is tilled.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
dime,
nickle,
quarter
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
yellow,
orange
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
heart
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb