Perilla Mint (Beefsteak Plant)

Latin Name: Perilla frutescens

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.

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.
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