Virginia Copperleaf

Acalypha virginica

Weed Description
Summer annual to 3 ft tall with leaves that often develop a copper coloration. Found from Maine south to Florida, west to South Dakota and Texas.

Seedlings
Cotyledons round, slightly notched at the apex, without hairs. First true leaves opposite, subsequent leaves alternate.

Leaves
Lanceolate, 3/4-3 inches long, petiolated, upper leaves alternate, lower leaves opposite. Youngest leaves develop a distinct copper coloration.

Stems
Branching, hairy, 1 to 3 ft tall.

Flowers
Green in color, produced in clusters in the areas between the stem and leaf petioles (axillary flower clusters). Certain flowers surrounded by deeply divided bracts.

Fruit
A 3-lobed seed pod.

Roots
Taproot with a secondary fibrous root system.

Identifying Characteristics
Distinct copper-colored young leaves, axillary flower clusters.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Virginia Copperleaf

Acalypha virginica

Trouble identifying a weed?