States
North CarolinaTennesseeGeorgiaSouth CarolinaKentuckyAlabamaArkansasFloridaLouisianaMississippiVirginiaWest Virginia
Menu

Beefsteak-plant

Perilla frutescens

In the Carolinas and Georgia, found in moist disturbed areas. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

-55
Severe harm

Not native to Arkansas. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 71%

Height
1–3 feet
Spread
3 inches–1.5 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Usually moist
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Arkansas.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • Bluestem Goldenrod
    Solidago caesia

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

    Different: flower color

  • Zigzag Goldenrod
    Solidago flexicaulis

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

    Different: flower color

  • Blue Mistflower
    Conoclinium coelestinum

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Usually moist. Flowers: Blue, pink or purple.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

Refine these alternatives in the finder

Check a whole list of plants

At a glance

Life cycle
Annual
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
August to October
Fruiting season
October to December

Recorded in 58 Arkansas counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Also found with this plant

Wildlife whose habitat models include habitats this plant grows in, in Arkansas. Shared habitat, not food. 91 animals.

All wildlife of Arkansas

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including AR
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Lamiaceae
Hardiness
Zones 10a–11b
Flower color
White
Fruit begins
October
Fruit ends
December

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Beefsteak Plant; Perilla

Conservation status

Arkansas rankSNA
Global rankGNR
AR statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources