Shiso

Other names

Beefsteak Plant, Bai Su Zi, Shiso Zoku

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Annual

Biocultural value

The entire plant yields a beautiful light green dye. Essential oils in the leaves scent perfumes and also flavor sauces, candy, toothpaste and tobacco.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Cornell Botanic Gardens,

Description

Hairy annual to 1m tall with dark purple leaves. Leaves are 4.5-8 — 3-6cm, broadly egg shaped, deeply round-toothed, pinched at the tip, wedge-shaped at the base, stalked. Flowers are white in a 3-10cm inflorescence with floral leaves.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

foliage characteristics, food, other ethnobotanical uses