Seasonal Wild Flowers

Pellitory-of-the-wall

Parietaria judaica

Urticaceae

Late April to October

It is found throughout the country but is less common

in parts of the North.

See the BSBI distribution map for Pellitory-of-the-wall

It grows on rocks and cliffs, at the base of walls and

in cracks in walls.

Pellitory-of-the-wall is a native, soft, hairy, perennial herb,

growing up to 100cm.

Flowers are very small and in groups at the base of the

leaves.

Male and female flowers are separate.

Female flowers (not shown) are tubular, 4-toothed and

terminal.

Male flowers have 4 cream stamens.

Leaves are lanceolate to ovate and up to 7cm.

Stems are much branched, hairy and usually red.

Pellitory-of-the-wall is related to Stinging nettle and,

as with nettles, individual flowers are difficult to see.

It is used in herbal medicine as shown in this link to

A Modern Herbal on Botanical.com.

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Pellitory-of-the-wall at the base of a wall

Typical appearance

Closer view of groups of male flowers

Close-up of male flower with 4 stamens

Leaves

Hairy red stem

Growth from the crack in a wall