Horticulture/Abutilon theophrasti

Abutilon theophrasti (Velvetleaf, China Jute, Buttonweed, Butterprint or Indian Mallow) is an annual plant in the family ../Malvaceae/, native to southern Asia. It is encountered as a weed in many other parts of the world.

Description
It grows to 1 m tall, and has velvet-like, heart-shaped leaves 15–25 cm broad. The flowers are yellow, 4 cm diameter, maturing into button-shaped seed pods.

Ecology
Velvetleaf grows primarily in cropland, especially maize fields, and it can also be found on roadsides and in gardens. Velvetleaf prefers rich and cultivated soils.

After being introduced to North America in the 1700s, velvetleaf has become an invasive species in agricultural regions of the eastern and midwestern United States. It is one of the most detrimental weeds to corn, costing hundreds of millions of dollars per year in control and damage. Velvetleaf is an extremely competitive plant, so much so that it can steal nutrients and water away from crops.

Uses
Velvetleaf has been grown in China since around 2000 BCE for its strong, jute-like fiber. The seeds are eaten in China and Kashmir.