How much sun does Velvetleaf need?

Velvetleaf grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Velvetleaf bloom?

Velvetleaf blooms in June and July.

What pollinators does Velvetleaf attract?

Velvetleaf draws bees and beetles.

Is Velvetleaf HOA-friendly?

Velvetleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Velvetleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Abutilon theophrasti

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Velvetleaf

Velvetleaf is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Velvetleaf is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

Try it with your yard

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

Velvetleaf 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 Velvetleaf need?: Velvetleaf grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Velvetleaf bloom?: Velvetleaf blooms in June and July.
What pollinators does Velvetleaf attract?: Velvetleaf draws bees and beetles.
Is Velvetleaf HOA-friendly?: Velvetleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Velvetleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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