Abutilon theophrasti Medik.

Velvet Leaf; Indian Mallow; Butter Print

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Butter Print is an introduced herbaceous annual in the Hibiscus family (Malvaceae). It is native to southern Asia. In Alabama it can be found statewide but is most common in the Tennessee Valley. Butter Print occurs in fields, in pastures, on roadsides, and in other disturbed areas. It is an annual with a tap root. Stems are erect, 2-7 feet in height, green in color, round in cross section, and stellate pubescent. The stems are branched mostly from the lower nodes. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate to cordate in outline, with crenate margins. The leaves are softly pubescent. Flowers are solitary from the axils of the leaves. Each flower has 5 pubescent sepals, 5 yellow-orange petals, and numerous yellow stamens. The fruit is a schizocarp. Butter Print was introduced into the United States in the 18th century as a possible source of jute and bast. It is considered a noxious weed in areas of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, especially in cotton, corn, and soybeans. The seed may remain dormant in the soil for as long as 20 years. The common names “Butter Print” and “Pie Marker” refer to use of the dried fruit to stamp butter or pies, forming a flower-like design.--A. Diamond

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Not Native FACU- (NWPL) GNR (Global Rank)

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