Home » Plants » Perilla frutescens

Beefsteak Plant (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton)

Also known as beefsteakplant, shiso, Korean perilla, wild sesame.

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Summary
Range
Habitat
Life Cycle
Uses
Links
Photos

↑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.

Although this plant occurs somewhere in each of these regions, it may only occur in a small part of some or all of them.

↑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.