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Velvetleaf
Also known as: China jute, Buttonweed
Abutilon theophrasti is named after the Greek botanist Theophrastus, who was a successor of Aristotle. The velvetleaf is now considered to be an invasive species in many places of the world and is especially dangerous for corn and soybean crops. When left unmanaged, the velvetleaf can create 100s of millions of dollars in damage for farmers.
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Weeds
Weed or not
Annual
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Bloom Time
Winter
Harvest Time
Yellow, Orange
Fruit Color
Yellow
Flower Color
Green, Purple
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Evergreen, Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Velvetleaf

Distribution of Velvetleaf

Distribution Map
The velvetleaf originates from Central Asia to China, where it occurs in agricultural and waste areas, as well as in urban environments. The species has been widely introduced to many parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, North America, and Australia. The plant is reported invasive or serious agricultural weed in numerous countries around the world.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Cultivated ground, Waste places
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Economic Value
The stem and bark fiber of velvetleaf can be used in textile products such as sacks, etc. Its seeds contain high oil content and can be refined into industrial oil.
Garden Use
Velvetleaf is often grown in fields.
Symbolism
Gratitude, effort
Interesting Facts
According to legend, velvetleaf was demoted to the man's world because of its poor appearance. However, the goddess of the moon felt that velvetleaf was extremely ambitious, and so she always took care of it with the brilliance of the moon. Velvetleaf worked harder and wanted to repay the world on its own, so it became a superior ingredient in Chinese medicine.
Name Story
Velvetleaf||Lantern mallow: As a harmful weed, it has a deceptive appearance. The yellow flowers are bright and the whole stem and leaves are covered with a thin fur. Given the leaves exhibit a velvet texture, it is called Velvetleaf. As the flower buds look like a lantern before it starts to bloom, it is then called lantern mallow.
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Weed Control

Found throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere, velvetleaf originated in India or China and is now considered invasive and/or noxious in parts of North America, Europe, northern Africa, Japan, and South Korea. It is mainly an agricultural weed, as it causes serious damage to corn, soybeans, and cotton. This is mainly due to the fact that it competes for similar nutrients and light needed for the survival of those crops. Each plant can produce between 700 and 44,200 seeds, making the spread of velvetleaf difficult to control. Repeated use of herbicides and biological methods are the best means of elimination.
How to Control It
The best season to remove 'velvetleaf' is in late spring or early summer. This is when the plant has germinated but before it has reached the seeding stage. Let's look at the methods for plant control:
  1. Hand pulling: This is a simple and straightforward method. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands. Grasp 'velvetleaf' at its base and pull upward with a firm, steady pressure to remove the entire plant, including the roots. Dispose of the plant in a compost bin or yard waste container.
  2. Smothering: This involves covering the area where 'velvetleaf' is growing with a layer of newspaper (at least 10 sheets thick), followed by a layer of mulch like straw or wood chips. This will block sunlight and suffocate the plant, causing it to die back.
  3. Using a hoe: Another organic strategy is to use a sharp hoe. Cut 'velvetleaf' at ground level, severing the stem from the roots. Make sure to do this before the plant starts seeding to prevent it from spreading.
  4. Organic herbicide: You can create your own using household items. Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar with 1 cup of table salt and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Using a spray bottle, apply the mixture to 'velvetleaf', focusing on the leaves and stems. This solution should kill the plant within a few days.
  5. Crowd it out: Plant densely around 'velvetleaf'. The densely planted area will limit the amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients available to 'velvetleaf', limiting its growth.
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Care Guide for Velvetleaf

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Velvetleaf thrives in warm, temperate regions with moderate moisture. It requires weekly watering to maintain even soil moisture but tolerates brief dry spells. Typically grown outdoors, velvetleaf experiences vigorous growth during the rainy season, benefiting from natural rainfall.
Propagation: Velvetleaf propagates easily by sowing seeds in spring. Successful propagation is indicated by seedling emergence. For optimal growth, ensure well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture.
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