How to Grow and Care for Parietaria

Pellitory of the wall (Parietaria judaica) is a species of flowering plant that is native to Europe, North Africa and parts of west Asia. It is an introduced species elsewhere in the world and is widely considered a weed. It proliferates in disturbed areas and is sometimes known as “asthma weed” because its pollen is an allergen for many people.

Pennsylvania pellitory (Parietaria pensylvanica) is a flowering nettle plant that grows widely throughout Canada and the United States. This species most often grows in the wild in basic soils, cliff faces, barrens, and low floodplains.

Pellitory-of-the-wall is a member of the nettle family, although its leaves do not have the sting that other nettles can produce. This plant is native from western Europe through western Asia. It easily grows up walls, in crevices, and sidewalk cracks, giving it its common name.

Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall is an annual herb that is pollinated by the wind. It usually grows on rocks and walls. Interestingly, for an unknown reason, this delicate and very small wildflower with achene fruit is distributed along two ancient Roman roads, Via Appia and Via Flacca.

Florida pellitory is a perennial herb found thriving in the understory of North American woodlands. It displays small, oval to heart-shaped leaves and is often recognized by its inconspicuous greenish flowers. Adapted to dappled sunlight, florida pellitory flourishes in shady, moist habitats, using repose beneath canopy trees as a strategy for survival in competitive floral communities.