Abutilon theophrasti (commonly known as velvetleaf) is a summer-emerging, annual, broad-leaf weed native to Asia. The species can be found mainly in the Central Valley (and mostly in the Sacramento Valley) in agronomic crop systems, along roadsides, in orchards and vineyards, and in other disturbed areas.

Cotyledons (approximately 1/2 inch (12 mm) long and wide) are rounded to heart-shaped in appearance. The first true leaves are heart-shaped with with shallow and rounded-toothed margins. Velvetleaf cotyledons, leaves and petioles are covered with fine, soft hairs (hence the name 'velvetleaf'). 

Images are included in a printable PDF document at the end of the post. For more...

Growers (mainly pistachios) and crop consultants in the southern and western parts of the San Joaquin Valley have recently reported the spread of alkaliweed from low-lying saline or alkaline soils (including seasonal wetlands and floodplains) into irrigation ditches, orchards, and some agricultural fields (Figure 1). 

Now, some of you may be asking 'What is alkaliweed?'

Alkaliweed (Cressa truxillensis) is a native, perennial plant in the morningglory family (Convolvulaceae), the same family of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and dodder (Cuscuta spp.). The species has a prostrate to ascending growth habit, rarely exceeding a foot in height. The species produces grey-green,...

The summer annual weeds are starting to emerge and I am using this blog over the next few weeks to introduce readers to the seedlings of important species.

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is an annual (or sometimes a short-lived perennial) species that is common throughout much of the state inhabiting: tree and vine systems, agronomic and horticultural crop fiels, roadsides, gardens, and other disturbed sites. 

The seedlings have cotyledons that are ovate (oval) to lanceolate (lance-shaped) with pointed tips that can become purplish in color. Leaves are ovate to triangular in shape, also with pointed tips. Early leaves have simple margins whereas older leaves possess margins that are wavy to...

There is still time to register for the April 11th SJV Weed Science Extension Day at the Westside Research and Extension Center in Five Points (17353 West Oakland Avenue, Five Points, CA 93624).

The meeting at the Westside Center will focus on agronomic crops, ROWs, and tree and vine systems. The session will also include hands-on weed ID and nozzle selection/drift management training.

The meeting has been approved for 3.5 CDPR continuing education credits (other).

These presentations are free to attend although we do request that you register by calling the UCCE Merced County office at 209-385-7403 to reserve your spot. The...