Appearance
Abutilon theophrasti is an erect annual herb with a shrub like growth habit. They can reach 7 ft. (2.1 m) in height and are often unbranched. Stems are erect and covered with soft hairs. The plant’s taproots have fibrous root systems.

Foliage
Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, and acuminate (gradually tapering to a point). Leaves are approximately 2-6 in. (5.1-15.2 cm) long and wide. They are densely hairy on both surfaces, with toothed margins. Leaves have palmate venation (veins originate from a common point). The leaves emit an unpleasant odor when crushed.

Flowers
Flowers can be found singly or in clusters. They are yellow with 5 petals and 0.4-1 in. (1-2.5 cm) in diameter. Flowering occurs from July through August

Fruit
Abutilon theophrasti fruit is a circular capsule fruit about 1 in. (2.5 cm) in diameter. Each capsule contains a ring of 'prickles' around the upper edge. Fruits contain 2 to 3 seeds each.

Ecological Threat
Abutilon theophrasti is a native of China. Cultivated as a source of fiber and oil; it has escaped cultivation invading orchards, cotton, corn, soybeans, and vegetable fields causing serious damage. Abutilon theophrasti seeds can remain viable in the soil for over 50 years. It is especially invasive in disturbed habitats. It is found across the United States.

Herbicide Resistance
Populations of this plant exist in the United States that are resistant to Photosystem II inhibitors (C1/5). 

Citation
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzländer. 2014. New Invaders of the Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2014-12_NW_New_Invaders.pdf
 

Resources

• Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
• Colorado Noxious Weeds
• Iowa Noxious Weeds
• Michigan Noxious Weeds
• National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
• New Hampshire Invasive Plant Species Watch List
• New Invaders of the Northwest
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References