Velvetweed, also known as Abutilon theophrasti or China jute, is a weed that can grow up to six feet tall and is commonly found in the United States. It is considered an invasive species and can overtake natural landscapes if not controlled. Some synonyms for velvetweed include velvetleaf, Indian mallow, buttonweed, butterprint, and piemarker. These names are derived from the plant's velvety leaves, yellow flowers, and seed pods. While velvetweed has some medicinal properties, it is generally not desirable in natural ecosystems as it competes with native plants for nutrients and can cause ecological disruption. It is important to control and remove velvetweed to preserve biodiversity in the ecosystem.