Velvetleaf

Biological Name:

Abutilon theophrasti (Velvetleaf)

Natural Habitat:

The Velvetleaf is typically found in fields, along roadsides, and in other disturbed areas throughout North America.

Description:

Velvetleaf also known as Abutilon is a plant that is native to grassland and prairie regions of North America. It is an annual herb that can grow up to six feet tall and it has large lobed leaves and small yellow or red flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is known for its soft velvety texture and it is often considered a weed in agricultural fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is velvet leaf invasive?
A: Abutilon theophrasti, more commonly known as velvetleaf or buttonweed, is considered an invasive species in the Midwest and Northeast United States, primarily causing damage to agricultural crops such as corn and soybeans.
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Q: Should I get rid of velvetleaf?
A: However, because seeds can remain viable in the soil for 50 years or more, velvetleaf can be very difficult to eradicate if infestations are allowed to persist and produce seed. It is important to watch carefully for this plant and remove it as soon as it is found.
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Q: Is velvet leaf poisonous to dogs?
A: Alocasia (any variety) Some of the more popular varieties include alocasia silver dragon, dragon scale alocasia, and alocasia black velvet. Unfortunately, they’re also very poisonous (to both humans and pets).
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Q: Is velvet leaf good for anything?
A: Velvetleaf can be used as a treatment for dysentery and opacity of the cornea and can treat eye injuries. The leaves of the velvet leaf contain 0.01% of rutin, and used for a soothing, lubricant treatment that softens irritated tissues. When the leaves are softened, they can be used a remedy for ulcers.
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Q: How long do velvet plants live?
A: Botanical Classification: Gynura aurantiaca Hence the purple aura. As the plant ages, the usually coarse hair begins to thin out, minimizing its saturation and vibrancy. Purple passion plants usually live about 3–5 years. In its later years, a healthy plant will bloom a beautiful, burnt orange flower.
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Q: What herbicide kills velvetleaf?
A: Valent offers a powerful and effective tool in Resource® Herbicide. Resource is a cost-effective solution for farmers with problem weeds such as velvetleaf, morningglory, common ragweed, pigweeds, smartweeds and lambsquarters.
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Q: Do bees like velvet leaf?
A: Velvetleaf is primarily pollinated by bees. Numerous species of bees visit the flowers for nectar and pollen such as bumblebees, leaf-cutters, halictid bees. Butterflies are also reported to visit the flowers, although I’ve never seen one (but I don’t let the plant live, either).
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Q: Should I pull velvetleaf?
A: However, because seeds can remain viable in the soil for 50 years or more, velvetleaf can be very difficult to eradicate if infestations are allowed to persist and produce seed. It is important to watch carefully for this plant and remove it as soon as it is found.
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Q: Is Indian mallow invasive?
A: Description. Although native to South America, hairy indian mallow has become established in Hawaii where it is considered invasive and potentially destructive to riparian habitats. Its blooms are attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees so it is often used in ornamental gardens.
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Q: How do I get rid of cocklebur naturally?
A: Hoe newly emerged cockleburs until the roots of the plant are exposed and the seeds (burs) have been disposed in the nearest trash disposal. Leaving seeds on the ground can cause later infestations within a 5 year time span. For easier root pulling, moisten the area with water to loosen the plant roots.
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Q: What can you do with velvetleaf?
A: If you’re fighting a small stand of velvetleaf weeds, you can pull them by hand before the plant goes to seed. Pull the weeds when the soil is moist. Use a shovel, if necessary, as pieces of roots that remain in the soil will sprout new weeds. Pulling is more effective when the soil is moist.
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Q: Is velvetleaf good for anything?
A: Velvetleaf can be used as a treatment for dysentery and opacity of the cornea and can treat eye injuries. The leaves of the velvet leaf contain 0.01% of rutin, and used for a soothing, lubricant treatment that softens irritated tissues. When the leaves are softened, they can be used a remedy for ulcers.
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Q: Are velvetleaf seeds edible?
A: The unripe seeds are edible raw. Where the plant is native its seeds are a common outdoor snack of children. Ripe seeds, however, must be leached until not bitter. Then dried they are ground into flour.
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Q: Is velvetleaf a perennial?
A: Velvetleaf, a regulated Class B noxious weed, is an annual that grows 3-8 feet tall in farms and disturbed areas, among other settings.
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Q: Are wild violets weeds?
A: Wild violet is a perennial weed found in many northern regions of the U.S. It flowers in early spring and is usually found in the shady, damp areas in your yard. Killing wild violets in your lawn can be a difficult challenge, but we can help.
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Q: Is black velvet plant poisonous?
A: Alocasia Black Velvet Toxicity This plant is toxic if ingested for both humans and animals so keep it away from kids or your furry friends!
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Q: Where is velvetleaf found?
A: In California, it is found in the southwestern region and the Central Valley, especially in the Sacramento Valley to an elevation of 330 feet (100 m). It is also found in irrigated areas of the desert regions. Velvetleaf can also grow in urban environments and other irrigated disturbed areas.
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Q: Is velvet leaf poisonous?
A: Velvetleaf has been grown in China since around 2000 BCE for its strong, jute-like bast fibre. The leaves are edible when stir-fried or in an omelette.
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Q: Is velvet plant toxic?
A: Purple passion plants are considered non-toxic for pets and humans. If the plant starts to flower, that’s a sign it has reached maturity and you may want to start collecting cuttings.
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Q: What does velvetleaf taste like?
A: Is Velvetleaf Edible? The seeds are commonly eaten in China and India. I tried some myself today. they have a rather nutty flavor, and are easier to chew than sunflower seeds.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.