Insert as an Additional Taxa For Mentha × piperita: Perilla frutescens (L.) N.L. Britton Perilla (Ocimum frutescens, Perilla atropurpurea, Perilla crispa, Perilla nankinensis, Perilla fruiticosa, Perilla laciniata, Perilla ocimoides) C Also known as Common Perilla, Beefsteak Plant, or Shiso; this Asian native can be found naturalized locally in the Eastern U.S., including East Texas; these erect to upright rounded plants reach 2N to 3N in height and foliage of cultivated genotypes is frequently reddish or bronze; the broadly ovate leaves may reach 5O in length and have a decidedly handsome pleated appearance and oily sheen; the overall effect is reminiscent of Coleus or Basil; the cultivar ‘Crispa’ is more narrow with wrinkled purple or bronze leaves. C The short spikes of purplish flowers, strongly four-sided stems with opposite leaves, and licorice scent suggest their close association with the mints (Mentha spp.); like the mints, Perilla was originally cultivated for its culinary uses and oil-bearing seeds which produced yegoma — a linseed-like oil; since then it has become popular as a textural accent and fragrance plant in mixed gardens. C Perilla will tolerate partial shade to full sun and can be grown in most garden soils; the genus name is thought to derive from the Hindu name for the species, while the specific epithet means shrubby; these plants will tolerate wet soils, but not those that are droughty; hence, when naturalized in Texas, it is usually in bottomland sites; there are reports of this species being implicated in some livestock poisonings. Copyrighted 2003 with all rights reserved by Michael A. Arnold; intended for future inclusion in Landscape Plants For Texas and Environs, Third Edition..