Malvaceae

Sida acuta

Common Names: Sida

Plant Form: Perennial or annual herb or small shrub. Size: 30 cm to 1.5 m tall. Stem: Woody, branching several times, round, fibrous, covered in fine hairs. Leaves: Lance shaped with serrated edges, alternately arranged on stem. Flowers: Yellow, usually singular sometimes in pairs. Fruit and Seeds: Hard structure that goes from green to brown as matures, sometimes in clusters, breaking apart into 8-10 wedge shaped seeds. Habitat: Roadsides, pastures, rangelands, plantations, campsites. Distinguishing Features: Very similar to other Sida species. Distinguished from Malvastrum species by having a second layer of bracts below flower (epicalyx). Impacts: Outcompetes with crop species, unpalatable, reduces species diversity.