Velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti
Family: Malvaceae; Mallow Family
Vegetative Characteristics:
Seedling: cotyledons: 1 rounded and 1 cordate with rounded apices, margins entire, covered on both surfaces and along margins with short, nonglandular trichomes; true leaves alternate, ovate to cordate with round to acute apices, serrate margins, velvety pubescent surfaces; stem densely pubescent
Stems: erect, 0.5-2.1 m tall, sparingly branched on upper portion, smooth, pubescent, trichomes short and velvety
Leaves: alternate, 5.0-15.0 cm long and wide, simple, cordate, with lon
g, tapered tips, fine-toothed margins, pubescent, trichomes velvety
Reproductive Characteristics:
Inflorescences: solitary, borne on short peduncles in
leaf axils of upper portion of stem; petals 5, orange-yellow, to 2.5 cm diameter, peduncle jointed near middle
Fruits: capsule, 2.5 cm diameter, 10-15 beaked carpels with ring of prickles around upper edge, pubescent
Seeds: ovate, 3.0 mm long, strongly notched, flattened, dull, grayish brown
Special Identifying Characteristics:
⇒ erect, sparingly branched annual; cotyledons: 1 rounded, 1 cordate; leaves densely pubescent, trichomes velvety; strong, unpleasant odor when crushed
