arrowleaf sida
Family
MalvaceaeScientific Name
Sida rhombifolia
Other Common Names:
Cuban jute
Habit
This plant is actually a perennial shrub in the tropics but occurs as a summer annual in the U.S. Plants are erect, branched, and usually about 1 to 2 feet in height. Stems are covered with hairs and also have short spines (stipules) at the base of each leaf petiole.
Leaves
The leaves are approximately 3/4 to 1 inch long. The upper 1/2 of the leaves have toothed or serrated margins while the leaf portions closest to the stem are untoothed. The leaves are broad and lance-shaped, and may be white and hairy underneath.
Identifying Characteristics
The seedlings have 2 heart-shaped cotyledons, plants have small spines that occur at the base of each leaf petiole, and leaves are rhomboid shaped with serrations that occur only on the upper half.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers consist of 5 yellow petals that are 4 to 8 mm long and occur on flower stalks that grow from the area between the stems and leaf petioles.
Seed Fruit
A capsule 5-8 mm wide.? Its seeds are about 2-3 mm long, feel smooth, and are dark brown.
Where Found
Arrowleaf sida occurs in wastelands and along roadsides.? It is also a common weed of cultivated crops.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
present
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb