Beefsteak Plant (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton)
Also known as beefsteakplant, shiso, Korean perilla, wild sesame.
↑Summary
An aromatic perennial herb native to south and east Asia and introduced in eastern North America, where it is often invasive.
↑Range - Expand
| Legend | Color |
| Introduced | |
| Introduced or Not Present |
This tentative map is based on our own research. It may have limited data on Canada and/or Mexico, and there is some subjectivity in our assignment of plants as introduced vs. expanded. Read more in this blog post.
↑Habitat
The habitat preferences of this species in North America are not well-documented.
Seems to prefer disturbed habitats in well-drained to excessively-drained soils, from loam to sand or gravel. Tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions, from dry to wet. Tolerates light shade but not a closed forest canopy.
Frequently found along paths and in other parts of forests where disturbance has created higher-light conditions. Also found along roadsides, railroads, in sandy or gravely areas along streams, and in urban and suburban areas.
↑Life Cycle
This plant is a perennial that reproduces both by seed and vegetatively. It sometimes forms large colonies.
↑Uses
In India, southern China, Japan, and Korea, this species is grown as a food plant. The leaves are used as an herb and vegetable. The seeds are used as a seasoning, and are also used as a source of oil for cooking. In Japan it is also used as a garnish.
Occasionally used as a landscaping plant, usually as red-leafed and/or curly-leafed cultivars. It resembles coleus, but is perennial in colder climates.
The oil of the plant is also used as an antihistamine and to treat allergies.
↑Links & External Resources
• Perilla frutescens (Beefsteak Plant) | Illinois Wildflowers (About This Site)
• Perilla frutescens (Beefsteak Plant) | USDA PLANTS Database (About This Site)
• Perilla frutescens | Go Botany (About This Site)
• Beefsteak Plant | iNaturalist (About This Site)
• Perilla frutescens (Beefsteak Plant) | Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (About This Site)
• Perilla frutescens | Biota of North America Project (BONAP) (About This Site)
• Perilla frutescens | NatureServe Explorer (About This Site)
• Perilla frutescens | Missouri Plants (About This Site)
• Beefsteak Plant | Maryland Biodiversity Project (About This Site)
↑Photo gallery
