Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medic.,

Bruce & I went to garage sales on Saturday morning.  At one particular garage sale Mrs. Homeowner knew who Bruce was, asked him to identify a plant in her garden.  She was having a debate with her daughter who said it was a weed.  Mrs Homeowner was adamant it was not!!  I took photos of this plant for Bruce to identify.

Here is the photos I took:  The flower, the pod and the leaf

 Bruce identified the plant as Velvet Leaf or Abutilon theophrasti

In Ontario it is classified as a weed on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) websiteOther names for this weed are abuliton, Butter-print, Elephant ear, Indian-mallow, Pir-marker, abutilon feuille de velours & it is of the Mallow Family (Malvaceae)

Sorry Mrs. Homeowner, your daughter is correct on this one.
--
Juleigh

1 comment:

  1. Even though most farmers think this is a terrible weed to have, I will always have some in my garden! The Japanese beetles love this plant and will leave your other veggies alone. So, for those of you who subscribe to the knowledge that chemicals on your veggies is not a good thing, let this "horrible monster" in your garden and you'll be happy you did!

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