Velvetleaf

Location: West Campus, near Bridwell Botany Research Lab
Approximate blooming period: June - October

Common velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti

Origin: Southern China 
Habitat: Hardy to USDA Zone 4 
Height and Form: herbaceous annual plant that can grow up to six feet high 
Foliage and Bark: Erect, velvety, stout branches with leaves covered with velvety, star-shaped hairs; bases heart-shaped
Flowers, Fruit, and Seeds: about one inch wide single, yellow flowers with five petals, produces seeds in pods, both of which are edible 
Names: Indian Mallow, China Jute 
Cultivars/Varieties: common weed that stays around, usually grows in cornfields where it will hurt young corn if not watched. 
"In China, fiber from this plant was used to make cords, thread, and nets."