Etymology: Parietaria: derives from Latin parietarius, "of walls," which descends from Greek paries, "a wall," where the plant likes to grow, as Pliny knew when he described it
Plants: small, erect, annual, 4"-16" tall forb with non-stinging, fine hairs
Leaves: stalked, thin, lance-like, alternate, toothless, no stipules
Flowers: green, 4-parted, 1/8" wide; inflorescence few-flowered, short clusters from the middle and upper leaf axils; blooms May-Sept.
Fruits: shiny, oval, dry seed
Habitat: dry to moist; woods, disturbed sites, sidewalk cracks, streambanks
Conservation Status: Native