Perilla Mint (Beefsteak Plant)

Identifying Characteristics:

• Leaves can be purple to green and serrated
• Square stems
• Spindly, hairy inflorescence bearing purple or white flowers in pairs
• Plant has a minty smell

Plant Longevity:

• Annual

Where Commonly Found:

• Shale soils
• Along forest edges
• Moist, cool soils

Time of Most Concern:

• July to October when the plant is flowering

Compound that Causes Concern:

• Ketones ("perilla ketone")
• Toxin is similar to the toxin produced by moldy sweet potatoes (4-impomeanol)

Part of Plant Most Toxic:

• Flowering seedhead
• Seeds
• Leaves less toxic than seedhead or seeds

Livestock Species Affected:

• Cattle
• Horses
• Sheep

Pasture, Stored Feed, Both:

• Both

Clinical Signs:

• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (panting)
• Inflammation of lungs
• Abnormal breathing
• Stretched neck and drooling

Amount Needed to be Consumed for Clinical Signs / Death:

• The amount of plant material or toxic compound needed to induce toxicity is unknown.