Virginia Copperleaf: Acalypha virginica
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Weed Description: Summer annual
to 3 ft tall with leaves that often develop a copper coloration. Found from Maine
south to Florida, west to South Dakota and Texas. Seedling: Cotyledons round, slightly notched at the apex, without hairs. First true leaves opposite, subsequent leaves alternate. |
| Leaves: Lanceolate, 3/4-3
inches long, petiolated, upper leaves alternate, lower leaves opposite. Youngest
leaves develop a distinct copper coloration. Stems: Branching, hairy, 1 to 3 ft tall. Roots: Taproot with a secondary fibrous root system. |
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Flowers: Green in color,
produced in clusters in the areas between the stem and leaf petioles (axillary flower
clusters). Certain flowers surrounded by deeply divided bracts. Fruit: A 3-lobed seed pod. Identifying Characteristics: Distinct copper-colored young leaves, axillary flower clusters. |