Perilla mint is an erect, herbaceous annual that can grow to heights of 2 feet. It is native to East Asia. The cotyledons are longer than they are broad, with the broadest portion near the tip. The leaves are simple, opposite and can be purple or green tinged with purple, making it an attractive plant.

Where does perilla grow?

Shiso, otherwise known as perilla, beefsteak plant, Chinese basil, or purple mint, is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family. For centuries, growing perilla mint has been cultivated in China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and other Asian countries but is more often classified as a weed in North America.

Is perilla mint toxic?

The flowering or seed parts of perilla mint contain the highest concentration of perilla ketone, considered the most toxic agent involved. … Ingestion of perilla mint causes “acute respiratory distress syndrome”, a sudden and dramatic onset of severe breathing difficulty. Affected animals are frequently found dead.