Heartleaf Sida, Llima

Sida cordifolia

SIGH-dah cor-daw-FOAL-ee-ah

Malvaceae

Native to:  Tropical America (not Florida)

Florida abundance and distribution:  Abundant in the southern half of the state

Recognition: Tall (to 5’) fuzzy weed with heart-shaped serrate-margined leaves and round yellow flowers, these often congested and with many stamens

Potentially confused species: Wireweed (Sida ulmifolia) is usually smaller, is not fuzzy, has its flowers nearly sessile (vs. on long wirelike peduncles).

Other:  contains bioactive alkaloids, giving it limited interest as a medicinal plant

Internet source: http://www.botanical-online.com/alcaloidessidacordifoliaangles.htm

Contributed by: George Rogers