hophornbeam copperleaf
Acalypha ostryifolia                                   

Identifying Characteristics:

Seed:   ovoid, silvery gray, tuberculate

Seedling:  cotyledons pubescent; stems with short pubescence; first leaves toothed, sparsely pubescent

Mature Plant:  fibrous roots from taproot; erect stem, simple to usually branched, pubescent; trichomes sparse to dense, glandular or short and recurved; alternate leaves, simple, ovate to rhombic-ovate, margins serrate, terminal and axillary inflorescences on separate spikes; capsule fruit, 3-seeded

Method of Propagation: seed

Life Cycle: annual herb

References: Bryson, Charles T. & Michael S DeFelice. "Weeds of the South"