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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 Louisiana. 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 Louisiana.

Plant this instead

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  • 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

  • Blue Mistflower
    Conoclinium coelestinum

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

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

  • Canadian Milkvetch
    Astragalus canadensis

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Cream, yellow, green or white.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

Refine these alternatives in the finder

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At a glance

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

Recorded in 43 Louisiana parishes.

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

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including LA
—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

Louisiana rankSNA
Global rankGNR
LA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources