False Velvetleaf
Anoda abutiloides
Family: Malvaceae
Shrubby perennial plant usually reaching 3’ though specimens have been found growing much taller. They are not quite as wide as tall. Flowers almost anytime during the warm season with yellow, mallow flowers. Woody seed carpels follow flowers. Looks much like a species of Abutilon. If plants don’t have enough resources (water) they may act like annuals.
Plant in full to part sun, but perhaps avoid too much reflective heat. Moderate to low water (when established) with good drainage is best. Hardiness not known but plants are found naturally at much higher elevations, so probably at least into the high teens °F. Cut back as needed.
Mallows (plants in the Malvaceae) are important for native bee species. This plant provides as a larval host for many skippers that generally use mallows, and the Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) specifically uses this plant.
The genus name Anoda is thought to originate from the vicinity of Sri Lanka, referring to mallow-like plants. The epithet abutiloides (used also in the genus Abutilon) means “looks like Abutilon.”
Found on rich soils or dry slopes in arid mountains and canyons, from 3,500-5,000 ft in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico.