Pellitory-of-the-wall, wall pellitory, Pariétaire officinale, Casse-pierre, Brise-pierre, Perce-muraille
Parietaria officinalis
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Pellitory-of-the-wall has limited direct permaculture applications. It's primarily known for its medicinal properties, particularly as a diuretic and emollient. It's sometimes used as a green manure due to its nitrogen accumulation, but its allergenic pollen necessitates careful consideration. It can be used to stabilize walls and rocky areas.
Permapeople description
Parietaria officinalis, commonly called pellitory-of-the-wall, is a plant species of the family Urticaceae, native to Europe.
Botanical description
Parietaria officinalis is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Urticaceae family. It grows to a height of 20-60 cm (8-24 inches). The stems are reddish, angular, and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are alternate, ovate-lanceolate, and also hairy. The flowers are small, greenish, and borne in clusters in the leaf axils. It is monoecious, bearing both male and female flowers on the same plant. The fruit is a small achene. This plant thrives in shady, damp places, especially on walls and rocks. It's common in Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Companion planting
There is limited specific information available regarding companion planting for Parietaria officinalis. Due to its preference for growing on walls and rocky areas, it is less likely to be intentionally integrated into formal companion planting schemes. Its presence might be considered beneficial to certain insects, but this needs more research.
Propagation methods
Parietaria officinalis can be propagated by seed sowing in spring or autumn. It can also be propagated by division of established plants in spring or autumn. Cuttings are also possible, although less common.
History and traditions
Historically, Parietaria officinalis has been used for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties in traditional medicine. It was believed to break down kidney stones, hence the French names 'casse-pierre' and 'brise-pierre'. It's been used in poultices for burns and wounds. The plant has associations with ancient herbalism and folk remedies throughout Europe.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs from June to September. Seed collection takes place in late summer or autumn. Planting or dividing is best done in spring or autumn. Pruning is not usually necessary.