Chingma-lantern
Abutilon theophrasti
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
WY
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Chingma-lantern is a tall annual plant that grows 2-5 feet high with heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers in summer. This plant has a somewhat weedy appearance and tends to self-seed readily in disturbed soils. It produces distinctive papery seed pods that give it the lantern name.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chingma-lantern takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Considered a weed by many
- Can spread aggressively by seed
- Informal, unkempt appearance
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. Seeds may provide food for birds in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Chingma-lantern need?
- Chingma-lantern grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Chingma-lantern bloom?
- Chingma-lantern blooms in June and July.
- Where is Chingma-lantern native?
- Chingma-lantern (Abutilon theophrasti) is native to WY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Chingma-lantern attract?
- Chingma-lantern draws bees and beetles.
- Is Chingma-lantern HOA-friendly?
- Chingma-lantern takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Chingma-lantern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz