annualN. America Native

Pennsylvania Pellitory

The Story

Plant Bio

Parietaria pensylvanica is a delicate, low-growing annual herb native to North America, often forming localized colonies in shaded woodlands, rock crevices, and disturbed areas. The slender, four-angled stems are finely pubescent and support thin, alternate, lanceolate leaves with smooth margins.

Unlike many other members of the nettle family, this species completely lacks stinging hairs, though contact with the foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. The tiny, apetalous green flowers are clustered tightly in the leaf axils and are surrounded by small, hairy bracts.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a delicate, green ground cover in deep, moist shade where other plants struggle.

Serves as an indicator plant for damp, nutrient-rich microclimates and shaded soils.

Provides cover in woodland settings, and the seeds serve as food for ground-foraging birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

18"

Width

12"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to High

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mild skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with light to partial shade and moist, organic-rich soil.
Sow seeds directly on the soil surface in early spring, as they require light to germinate.
Maintain consistent soil moisture during the spring and summer growing seasons to prevent early decline.
Hand-pull plants before they drop seed if you wish to limit their self-seeding spread.

Pro Tip

Control unwanted spreading in garden beds by manually pulling or hoeing the shallow-rooted plants in late spring before they set seed.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in shaded, damp microclimates to mimic its natural woodland habitat.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer spells.
Wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin to avoid potential mild dermatitis.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, stagnant soils where root rot can develop.
Do not allow the plant to go to seed if you want to prevent it from colonizing nearby turf or landscape beds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

NaturalizingRock GardenUnderstory Planting

Companion Plants

Pilea pumila Asarum canadense Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pennsylvania Pellitory questions

What zones can Pennsylvania Pellitory grow in?

Pennsylvania Pellitory is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Pennsylvania Pellitory bloom?

Pennsylvania Pellitory typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pennsylvania Pellitory need full sun?

Pennsylvania Pellitory does best in part shade.