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| Beafsteakplant Perilla frutescens |
What a weird name for a plant. If it grows in bright sunlight, the leave become burgundy, apparently resembling a steak in color. Sounds like a stretch to me.
It is commonly referred to by its genus name, Perilla. It is used in Korean and Japanese cuisine and was brought to the United States as a garden plant. It grows well in disturbed areas and has established some populations in southern Indiana. It is considered a Medium threat by the Indiana Invasives Initiative in their Official IISC Invasive Plant List.
While edible to humans, it is toxic to cattle and other ruminants. The cattle will avoid eating it, unless it is collected with hay.
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| The leaves are rather distinctive, with toothed edges and a wrinkly surface. |
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| The calyx of the flowers is covered with hairs. |
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