Shiso
Perilla frutescens 'Atropurpurea'
Lamiaceae
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
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