General: Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is a tall, invasive annual with bright yellow flowers and large, heart-shaped leaves that are covered with soft, velvety hairs. The seed pods are diagnostic.

Velvetleaf is an invasive weed that is an uncommon component of disturbed semi-desert vegetation. Around Las Vegas, this species is uncommon -- let's all work to make sure it stays that way.

Keep an eye out for this species and pull it up if you find it; it is the most important crop weed in the Midwestern US and is considered a Noxious Weed in some states.

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow).

Other Names: butterprint, butter-weed, buttonweed, velvetweed, Indian mallow.

Plant Form: Upright, leafy annual.

Height: To about 6 feet.

Stems: Erect; covered with star-shaped hairs.

Leaves: Leaves large (to about 8-inches long), heart-shaped with a long, tapered tip; leaf covered with star-shaped hairs.

Flowers: Inflorescence: solitary or few in leaf axils. Flower 5-petaled, yellow, to 1-inch diameter; looks plastic or buttery.

Seeds: Borne in capsules of 12-15 woody segments; capsules remain intact at maturity. Seeds brown, heart shaped.

Habitat: Crop fields, roadsides, gardens.

Elevation:

Distribution: Throughout North America. Native to Southeast Asia.

Comments: Introduced to North America in mid-1700s as a potential fiber crop.

For More Information: DiTomaso, J.M., and E.A. Healy. 2007. Weeds of California and other Western States. University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication 3488. 2 Vol. ISBN 978-1-879906-69-3.