365 Urban Species. #237: Copperleaf

Photos by cottonmanifesto. Location: Hospital landscaping, Binney street, Boston.

Urban species #237: Copperleaf Acalypha rhomboidea

Also called "three-seeded mercury," this is one of the most common plants to appear in eastern cities in late summer. Its flowers are small and dull colored, and the plant is rather unremarkable, so it is not noticed by most people. Once aware of it, you might notice it everywhere: sidewalks, gardens, roadsides. It is unusual among urban plants in eastern North America in that it is actually native to our area. It's probably pollinated by wind (remember the green flowers of ragweed) but the seeds are distributed by birds. Pigeons, mourning doves, and house sparrows are the likely agents of copperleaf spread in the city. It spreads only by seed (three per capsule) , and is an annual, dying completely in winter. Copperleaf's ability to compete in the city translates to an ability to spoil crop fields in agricultural areas. In the western parts of its range it is considered a serious pest.