Pellitory Of The Wall, Upright pellitory
Parietaria officinalis
Family: Urticaceae
What it is like
Parietaria officinalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Not known
Western Europe to Western Asia and the Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young plant - raw or cooked. The young shoots can be added to mixed salads.
Medicine
Rating: 3
Pellitory of the wall has been valued for over 2,000 years for its diuretic action, as a soother of chronic coughs and as a balm for wounds and burns. In European herbal medicine it is regarded as having a restorative action on the kidneys, supporting and strengthening their function. The whole herb, gathered when in flower, is cholagogue, slightly demulcent, diuretic, laxative, refrigerant and vulnerary. It is an efficacious remedy for kidney and bladder stones and other complaints of the urinary system such as cystitis and nephritis. It should not be prescribed to people with hay fever or other allergic conditions. The leaves can be usefully employed externally as a poultice on wounds etc. They have a soothing effect on simple burns and scalds. The plant is harvested when flowering and can be used fresh or dried.
Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Refrigerant: Cools the body.
Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
The whole plant is used for cleaning windows and copper containers.
Cleanser: For various materials. Perhaps best included under separate headings.
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained to dry alkaline soil in full sun or semi-shade. The plant grows well on drystone walls. The pollen of this plant is one of the earliest and most active of the hay fever allergens. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedling when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown in situ in autumn or spring. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: North Wall. In. East Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist