Producers recently identified Asian copperleaf -- Acalypha australis -- in crop fields in six counties in Iowa, and it's likely in more. As more populations are found, it is easier to monitor their development through the growing season. Field agronomists have been monitoring two of the infestations this spring and have observed many emerged seedlings in Boone and Franklin counties. As farmers scout fields and prepare for postemergence herbicide applications, it is important to keep an eye out for the new Iowa weed.
Copperleaf weed makes return
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Seedling Acalypha species will have round cotyledons and lanceolate leaves with blunt teeth.
Asian copperleaf has lanceolate to egg-shaped leaves with blunt teeth and deep veins.
Asian copperleaf has circular to heart-shaped bracts beneath flowers.
From left, deeply-lobed bract typical of Virginia copperleaf and three-seeded mercury compared to a heart-shaped bract from Asian copperleaf.
A dense infestation of Asian copperleaf is present at crop harvest.
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