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 in 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