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I'm puzzled trying to identify this 6 inch-ish mint family plant. #799358

Asked July 04, 2022, 2:07 PM EDT

Either it's a plant never before identified by science, or... sigh. Closest is false pennyroyal or woodmint, but neither fits. The stem is mint like, nutlets, ditto, but the leaves are completely un-mint like as there is no toothing or bumpiness on top. It is tacky to the touch, the underleaves and stem are sticky but the top of leaves are smooth and much thinner than most mint type leaves are. Flowers are tiny enough I don't remember the colors, and are under the leaves. It never really grows beyond 6 inches. It is always this bright green color. I have this across my landscaping (grave, etc.) in partial to heavy shade, by boxwood or roses, mixed with woodbine. Is it native or invasive? Do birds like it or what?

Otter Tail County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you, Steve! I had just begun researching. You saved me a lot of time, I’m guessing!
Thank you for your inquiry and good luck! Replied July 05, 2022, 12:16 PM EDT

Hi,

A colleague identified this (thanks, Steve).

This interesting plant is Pennsylvania pellitory (Parientaria pennsylvanica). Have confirmed this with several of my botanical colleagues. See:

https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/pennsylvania-pellitory

https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/parietaria/pensylvanica/

Thank you for your inquiry and good luck! Replied July 05, 2022, 12:18 PM EDT

Thank you SO much!   The ID is 100% accurate it seems, although the related P. Officinalis doesn't have hairy top leaves and this one doesn't either. 

Relieved to see it's a native and caterpillar food and has historic medicinal uses for the young leaves (harvested at flowering, not after.) I see the pollen might be a very severe allergen. As such,  I will try to extirpate from the front yard next year and see if I can get it growing in backyard shade instead.  I'll check with neighbors about allergies or asthma..  I dislike the feel, but It does have a nice color and it doesn't grow that tall. (I don't think I'm allergic to it.)  So it'd be a nice border, in moderate amounts where traffic is very low.

The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2022, 5:54 PM EDT
Glad we could help!
Thank you for your inquiry and good luck! Replied July 06, 2022, 11:24 AM EDT

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