It has been nearly 10 years since the first discovery of Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) in an Iowa crop field. Since that time, the species has been identified in crop fields in 12 Iowa counties and two other states. While we’re still developing management recommendations, now through crop harvest is an ideal time to discover it in crop fields.
As of August 2026, we’ve found Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) in crop fields in: Calhoun, Humboldt, Boone, Wright, Franklin, Hardin, Grundy, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Fayette, Chickasaw, and Cerro Gordo counties. Early identification of this species is key to adopting effective management tactics to reduce its spread to other fields.
For more information on general biology and identification of this species, check out this Encyclopedia article or a new printable publication from the University of Illinois. Key identification traits for this species include:
- Lack of milky sap
- Alternate leaves that are 2-4 inches long, lanceolate to egg-shaped, with fine, blunt teeth and deep veins (Figure 1)
- Heart-shaped bracts with blunt teeth surrounding flowers, located primarily along stems (Figure 2)
- Reddish color on upper leaves and stems (Figure 3)
As this weed species continues to spread across Iowa, we’re learning more about how challenging it is to manage in crop fields. Due to the ease of identification this time of year, please keep an eye out for this species during harvest. If you find a plant you suspect might be Asian copperleaf, please contact your local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist for assistance with identification. You can report sightings yourself at https://go.iastate.edu/FGA4NK.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on September 9, 2026. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
- Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
- Assistant Professor
- Extension Weed Scientist Specialist