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

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = FACU USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"