218 



WEED FLORA OF IOWA 



names of velvet weed, butter print and in the locality of one of ou/ 

 farms, Davis weed, from the fact that it was introduced many years 

 ago by a man named Davis, who regarded it as a rather good orna- 

 mental plant." 



Sida (Sida spinosa L.) . 



Description. — An annual from 10-20 in. high ; frequently much- 

 branched; leaves ovate-lanceolate; serrate with a long petiole, pe- 

 duncles in axils of leaves, 1-flowered ; flowers small, yellow ; 5 car- 

 pels, each 2-beaked. 



Distribution. — Common in the southern states, as far north as 

 Massachusetts to southern Iowa and Kansas. 



Extermination. — This weed propagates entirely by its seeds which 

 retain their vitality for a considerable length of time, as the seed 

 coat is hard. The growing plant is, however, easily destroyed by 

 pulling the weed or by cultivation. 



Fig. 127. Sida (Sida spinosa). Common in fields in southern Iowa. 

 (Photographed by Hart.) 



