Velvetleaf
Broadleaf weed
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is a fast-growing summer annual broadleaf weed found across much of the United States. Gardeners and farmers notice it because it grows tall quickly, shades out crops, and drops large numbers of long-lived seeds that keep coming back year after year.
How to identify it
Look for large, heart-shaped leaves up to 8 to 10 inches wide that feel soft and velvety on both sides because they are covered in fine hairs. The plant grows upright on a sturdy central stalk and can reach 3 to 8 feet tall. It produces small, yellow to orange five-petaled flowers where the leaf stalks meet the stem, followed by a distinctive cup-shaped seedpod with a ring of pointed segments that turns dark brown and woody as it matures. Crushed leaves and stems give off a strong, unpleasant odor.
Where it grows
Velvetleaf thrives in cropland, especially corn and soybean fields, as well as gardens, field edges, and recently disturbed or tilled soil. It germinates from late spring through summer once soils warm, flowers in mid to late summer, and sets seed before frost. It spreads only by seed, and a single plant can produce thousands of seeds that stay viable in the soil for decades, so a small patch this year can become a big problem for many years.
Why it is a problem
Because it grows taller and faster than many crops and garden plants, velvetleaf competes aggressively for light, water, and nutrients, which can noticeably cut yields. Its extremely long-lived seed bank means even a few plants left to mature can reseed a field or bed for years. The seeds and plant tissue can also interfere with the growth of nearby plants, making it a stubborn and costly weed to control once established.
How to manage it
The most effective approach is to stop plants from ever setting seed: hand pull or hoe young plants while they are small and the soil is moist, making sure to remove them before flowers form. Because the seeds are so long-lived, focus on prevention by keeping soil covered with mulch in gardens, maintaining dense healthy crops or cover crops that shade the ground, and cleaning soil off equipment and tools to avoid moving seed between areas. Scout regularly through the summer and pull any escapes right away, and bag mature seedpods rather than composting them so seeds do not spread. Rotating crops, timing cultivation to catch flushes of seedlings, and encouraging vigorous competing plants all help keep populations down over time.
Commonly confused with
Young velvetleaf can be mistaken for other heart-shaped broadleaf seedlings, but its soft, densely velvety leaves and strong odor set it apart. It is sometimes confused with common cocklebur or morningglory seedlings, which lack the fine, all-over fuzzy texture.
General guidance for US lawns and gardens, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. For a confirmed identification and options specific to your area, contact your local Cooperative Extension office. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.