Abutilon theophrasti
Velvet leaf
Family: Malvaceae
Origin: Asia
General description
Erect annual herb < 2.5 m tall. Stems are hairy and much branched in upper section. Leaves are large, alternate, heart-shaped, hairy and soft.
Flowers are yellow and borne in January – February. Seed pods are borne in cup-shaped circular clusters.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell velvet leaf. As velvet leaf is an Unwanted Organism, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
Habitats
Crops, gardens, wasteland, fence lines, roadsides.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by gravity. Human-mediated dispersal through movement of contaminated soil, crop seeds, crops, farming machinery and feed grain.
Impact on environment
Reduces crop yield. Allelopathic.
Control
Site Management
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Other herbicides are available for selective use in pasture and crops. Contact Auckland Council for more information.
Recommended approaches
Physical control
Method: Dig or pull out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: Seeds.
Disposal options: Cover seeds with a bag before pulling out to contain seeds or remove to landfill.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
Basic Growsafe certified: Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water.
;Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.