Variability in Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and Reproduction Beyond Its Current Range in North America

The general appearance of plants was similar for 14 accessions of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic. ♯ ABUTH) obtained from Stoneville, MS (33° 25’ N), Rosemount, MN (44° 43’ N), and various locations in between. All accessions were equally susceptible to bentazon [3-isopropyl-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide]. Variation in maturity characteristics was found among the accessions in the field at Rosemount; southern accessions began seed capsule production later and continued it longer than did northern accessions. Velvetleaf accessions from Stoneville and Rosemount both produced seeds in the field at Weslaco, TX (26° 09’ N), but at Fairbanks, AK (64° 49’ N), neither accession produced seeds before being killed by frost.