beefsteakplant
Family
LamiaceaeScientific Name
Perilla frutescens
Other Common Names:
perilla mint
beefsteak mint
Habit
Perilla mint is a summer annual that grows usually 1.5 to 2 feet in height. It grows in many soils and is particular to pastures and hay fields.
Leaves
The leaves of perilla mint are opposite from each other. They may be green to purple in color. They are often toothed and oval in shape. They may be 2 to 5 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. They extend from petioles that are usually approximately 2 inches long.
Identifying Characteristics
Characteristics that make perilla mint distinguishable from other plants are its oval, toothed, green to purple leaves and its mint-like odor.
Flower Seed Head
The flowers of perilla mint are in clusters that are said to be bottle-brush like in appearance. The individual flowers have a 2 toothed lower lip and a 3 toothed upper lip and are white or purple-tinged.
Where Found
Perilla mint is found in the United States in most states east of the Rocky mountains.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
purple,
pink
Flower Symmetry
not symmetrical
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
Varies:
lobed,
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
square or multi-edged
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb