Johnson County Secondary Roads Butterprint Weed

Butterprint (Abutilon theophrasti)

Description: Butterprint, also known as Velvetleaf, Buttonweed, and Indian Mallow, is an annual reproducing by seeds. The taproot is strong and white in color. The stems are erect, mostly tall (4-7 ft), but under adverse condition as low as 1-2 feet. The plant is branched on the upper portion of the velvety stems. The leaves are simple, alternate, petioled, extremely hairy, and feel soft and velvety. The large, wide, heart-shaped leaves are pointed on the tip. They usually are 2 to 5 inches wide but on occasion are 10-12 inches in width. Flowers are approximately ¾ inches wide and have 5 orange-yellow petals. The flowers are formed on short stalks arising from the leaf axils on the upper portion of the plant. The seedpod is a cup-shaped disk with 12 to 15 hairy, beaked carpels. The pod is ¾ to 1 inch wide and ½ to ¾ inches deep. The carpels split open at maturity. Seeds are dull, grayish-brown, hairy, flattened, ovate, strongly notched, and 1/8 inch in diameter.

Distribution: Butterprint is found throughout Iowa. It is a troublesome weed in cultivated land particularly when planted to row crops. It also grows in waste areas, gardens, and around farmsteads. Nearly any ground disturbed and left uncovered long enough will have butterprint grow there.

What’s The Problem?: Butterprint (Velvetleaf) can dramatically lower farm yields because of increased competition for light, water, and nutrients, and by increasing surface soil erosion. Soybeans are particularly affected by Butterprint. Also, the extremely hard seed remains viable in the soil for up to 60 years. Future soil disturbances can result in infestations even if no plants are present, because the seed has remained in the soil.

Management Methods:Methods of control include mowing, cutting or hand pulling, cultivation, rotary hoeing, and careful use of broadleaf herbicides.

photo of Butterprint

Photo couresy of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains published by Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Above photos courtesy of King County, WA Noxious Weed Control Program

photo of Butterprint

Photo couresy of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains published by Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Welcome to Johnson County Secondary Roads Butterprint Weed

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