Velvetleaf

Mallow (Malvaceae family):

Abutilon theophrasti Medik.

EPPO code:

ABUTH

Other names:

Butterprint, elephant ear, pie-marker

Species information

Lifecycle:

Annual.

Propagation:

Reproduces by seed.

Emergence:

Typically, velvetleaf emerges just before and after corn and soybean planting. It is not uncommon, however, to see new seedlings emerge into the summer months.

Habitat:

While velvetleaf is found throughout Ontario, it is most prominent in southern Ontario. Most commonly, it grows in row crops like corn, soybeans and edible beans.

Competitiveness:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research has shown that velvetleaf densities of 20,000 plants/ac can result in a 15% yield loss in corn and soybeans.

Identification clues

Seedlings

Cotyledons:

Orbicular with long petiole and numerous short hairs.

Leaves:

The stem leaves of velvetleaf are alternate, heart shaped with a pointed apex, and extremely soft and “velvety” to the touch; leaf margins are round-toothed.

Mature plant

Stem:

Velvetleaf’s stem is erect, 1–2 m tall, and covered with numerous soft hairs that give it a “velvety” feel. The stem is branched near the top of the plant.

Flowers:

Velvetleaf flowers are yellow, but can sometimes appear orange especially when closed. Flowers have five petals and five sepals.

Seeds:

Enclosed in a circular seedpod which is a cluster of of 12–15 sections (mericarps), which are green at first and turn black at maturity. They persist on leafless stems at the end of the season.

Roots:

Taproot

Often mistaken for

Velvetleaf is a very distinctive plant that is rarely confused with anything else, mainly because of its soft “velvety” feel, heart-shaped leaves and five, yellow-petaled flowers.