Velvetleaf
Abutilon theophrasti
- Native to:
- China, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Michael Becker
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Abutilon
- Species:
- Abutilon theophrasti
- USDA Symbol:
- ABTH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris), Yellow scallop moth (Anomis erosa)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to disturbed soils and fields
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarification or hot water treatment improves germination rates. Seeds germinate readily in warm soil temperatures above 15°C.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI