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.
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.
Does Chingma-lantern fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.