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Pellitory-of-the-wall

©Dave Riseborough

Pellitory-of-the-wall

Pellitory-of-the-wall is a small to medium-sized herb that frequently grows from cracks in old stone walls, pavements, cliffs and banks, and churches and ruins.

Scientific name

Parietaria judaica

When to see

June to October

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 70cm
Common.

About

Pellitory-of-the-wall is frequently found growing out of cracks in old walls and pavements, on cliffs and banks, and in hedges. It can often be found around old ruins and castles, as well as on damp church walls. Clusters of tiny flowers appear from June to October. It is a foodplant for the caterpillars of the Red Admiral butterfly.

How to identify

Pellitory-of-the-wall is a downy plant, with oval, alternate leaves and small white flowers that form clusters close to its pinkish-red, sticky stem.

Distribution

Found throughout the UK, but most common in Southern and Central England.

Did you know?

Historically, Pellitory-of-the-wall was an important plant in herbal medicine, being used to treat bladder and kidney stones because of its own association with stone.