IDENTIFICATION
Provincial Noxious. Annual.
Velvetleaf, a member of the Mallow family, is named for the soft,
velvety hairs that cover the stems and its wide, heart-shaped leaves.
It has large, yellow or yellow-orange flowers that mature into distinctive
circular clusters of 12-15 seedpods. Mature plants are 1-2 m tall.
DAMAGE
Velvetleaf is a serious weed problem in croplands, particularly
corn, because of its tolerance to many herbicides, rapid growth cycle,
and ability to produce large amounts of seed. Seeds can contaminate chicken
feed and reduce the saleability of eggs. The roots exude a chemical that
inhibits fungal growth.
HABITAT
In British Columbia, velvetleaf occurs only at low elevations.
It is found in cultivated fields, gardens, fence lines, and disturbed
areas. It occurs infrequently in southwestern BC and is known only from
the Lower Fraser Valley, where it is a potential threat to agricultural
production.
SPREAD
Velvetleaf spreads by seed. It is hardy and fast growing and is
such a prolific seed producer that it is believed the entire North American
population is derived from a single plant introduced from Asia.
