Abutilon theophrasti aka Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti is an annual in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Common names include velvet leaf, China jute, and Indian mallow. Kew places its native range from Central Asia to China. Useful Tropical Plants notes doubt about its place of origin. It now grows beyond that range, including subtropical regions worldwide. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant stands upright and dies after one growing season. Garden references give a height of about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Broader records span 1.3–4.9 feet [0.4–1.5 metres]. Some plants reach 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Stems may stay single or branch in their upper parts. Their bases become somewhat woody as the plant grows. Leaves remain on the plant from May through October. Flowers appear in July and August, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bees and other insects visit the flowers.

Grow it in sun or shade for part of the day. It needs fertile soil that drains well. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can all support growth. It accepts both dry and moist ground. It also tolerates soils from acid to strongly alkaline. Useful Tropical Plants gives a preferred pH of 5.5–6.5. Growers raise it across tropical and temperate regions. Plants For A Future suggests planting seedlings out after the last expected frost. Seeds sown under glass may sprout within two to three weeks.

People grow this species for stem fibre in China and Russia. The strong, flexible fibre serves as a substitute for jute. Makers use it for rope and paper, and it takes dye well. The seeds also yield oil. Its value as a crop comes with a clear drawback. It escapes from farms and grows as a weed. Plants For A Future describes serious weed problems in North America. It also grows on worked ground and waste sites.

Plants For A Future lists seeds and young seedpods as food. People eat seeds raw or cooked, or grind dried seeds into flour. Washing the seeds first removes bitterness. The same source records folk uses for leaves, bark, roots, and seeds. These reports do not establish that treatments work. Both plant-use sources report no known hazards. That statement does not confirm safety for every person or pet.