Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti

WA B desig. Malvaceae
Data Maturity Baseline

Washington State Classification

Class B — Control Required (Designated)

It outcompetes the cultivated plants for resources.

Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)

Quick Reference

Type
annual herb
Origin
Eastern Europe, Asia and Northern Africa

Identification

Growth Habit

Velvetleaf is a tap-rooted annual reaching 3 to 8 feet tall and is covered in soft hairs.

Leaves

Leaves are alternately arranged (or with alternate arrangement) on stem with petiole (leaf stalk).  Leaves are rounded and heart-shaped (cordate) with a pointed tip. Leaf width typically 2 to 5 inches but can be as wide as 10 to 12 inches.

Flowers

Flowers typically solitary on short stalks in upper leaf axils. Flowers about 3/4 inches wide with five yellow to yellow orange petals and numerous stamens that are fused at the base to form a tube.

Fruit & Seeds

Semi-rounded to cup-shaped capsules composed of many compartments (carpels). Each compartment contains 2 to 9 seeds.

Impact

It outcompetes the cultivated plants for resources. Seed bank establishment makes eradiation difficult as seeds can remain viable in the soil for 50 plus years. Leaves and seeds have allelopathic effects that inhibit the germination and growth of crops.

Ecology & Spread

Habitat

Velvetleaf is a common weed of waste areas, roadsides, vacant lots, fence rows and around farmsteads where it is found in barnyards, cultivated fields and gardens. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of velvetleaf in Washington.

Spread Mechanisms

seed bird

Reproduction

Velvetleaf reproduces by seed, each plant produces 700 17,000 seeds. Seeds remain viable for 50 60 years and remains viable after passing through animal digestive tracks.

Regional Notes — Puget Sound

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Control Methods

Mechanical

  • Small infestations may be hand removed or tarped. The entire plant must be removed.

Cultural / Prevention

  • Reduce weed establishment by maintaining a healthy planting or turf area to provide competition. Reduce weed infestation by handpulling weeds. Careful digging is useful to manage weed populations. However, digging can carry undesirable weed seed to the surface and foster further germination.