Parietaria

Description

Parietaria is a genus of flowering plants in the nettle family, Urticaceae. It is commonly known as pellitory or wall pellitory. The name “Parietaria” comes from the Latin “parietarius,” which means “of the walls,” referring to its common habitat on walls, rocks, and other stony places. There are about 15 species of Parietaria, which are distributed in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Parietaria plants are small and inconspicuous, with slender stems that can grow up to 1 meter long. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with serrated edges. The flowers are small and greenish, arranged in clusters along the stems. The fruit is a small achene.

Care Guide

Parietaria plants are easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Parietaria plants prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilization: Parietaria plants do not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage growth.
• Soil: Parietaria plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
• Sunlight: Parietaria plants prefer partial shade to full sun. If grown indoors, place them near a sunny window.
• Hardiness Zones: Parietaria plants are hardy in USDA zones 6-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Parietaria plants are relatively pest and disease-free, but they can be affected by the following:

• Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and deform. You can control aphids by spraying the plants with a solution of water and dish soap.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. You can control spider mites by spraying the plants with a solution of water and neem oil.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. You can prevent leaf spot by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.

Habitat

Parietaria plants grow in a wide range of habitats, including walls, rocks, cliffs, and waste places. They can tolerate a range of soil types and moisture levels, but prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can Parietaria plants be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Parietaria plants can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer.

Q: Are Parietaria plants toxic to pets?

A: No, Parietaria plants are non-toxic to pets.

Q: How often should Parietaria plants be repotted?

A: Parietaria plants can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the roots have outgrown the pot.

Q: Do Parietaria plants have any medicinal properties?

A: Yes, Parietaria plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory and urinary tract disorders.

Related Plants

• Parietaria debilis
• Parietaria floridana
• Parietaria judaica
• Parietaria officinalis
• Parietaria pensylvanica

References

• Flora of North America. (n.d.). Parietaria. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=126115
• Mabberley, D. (2017). Mabberley’s plant-book: A portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Parietaria. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279665&isprofile=0&