Family: Urticaceae
Author: Muhl. ex Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 955 (1806)
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Parietaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. America
Description
Pennsylvania pellitory, scientifically known as Parietaria pensylvanica, is an intriguing plant native to North America. This member of the Urticaceae family, the same family that includes nettles and other herbaceous plants, showcases the diverse flora that can be found across the continent.
First described in the fourth edition of Species Plantarum in 1806 by distinguished botanists Muhl. ex Willd., Pennsylvania pellitory is a modest species that often goes unnoticed despite its ecological significance. Its presence is a testament to the resilient and adaptable nature of North American plant life.
Parietaria pensylvanica is typically found in a variety of habitats, from wooded areas to the edges of open fields. It thrives in different soil types, reflecting its adaptability and the diversity of its native range.
Characterized by its often unassuming appearance, Pennsylvania pellitory is a small herbaceous plant with a somewhat sprawling habit. Although it might lack the showy flowers of more ornamental species, its subtle charm is evident upon closer inspection. The leaves are simple and smooth, usually presenting a vibrant green color that contributes to the plant’s overall delicate look.
Despite its humble size, Pennsylvania pellitory plays an important role in its ecosystem. It often grows in close proximity to other flora, contributing to the ecological tapestry by offering habitat and food sources for various insects and smaller animals.
Understanding and appreciating plants like Pennsylvania pellitory helps deepen our appreciation for the natural world and the intricate balances within ecosystems. Its enduring presence in North America is a powerful reminder of the biodiversity that surrounds us and the importance of every species in maintaining ecological harmony.
Common Names
Dan: amerikansk springknap
Pol: parietaria pensylwańska
Eng: pennsylvania pellitory, american pellitory
Deu: pennsylvanisches glaskraut
Nob: amerikablidnesle
Nno: amerikablidnesle
Swe: amerikansk väggört
Ces: drnavec pensylvánský
Fra: pariétaire de pennsylvanie
En: Pennsylvania pellitory, American pellitory
Ar: حشيشة الزجاج البنسلفانية
Cs: Drnavec pensylvánský
Da: Amerikansk springknap
Fi: Amerikanmuuriyrtti
Fr: Pariétaire de Pennsylvanie
De: Pennsylvanisches Glaskraut
Nb: Amerikablidnesle
Nn: Amerikablidnesle
Pl: Parietaria pensylwańska
Sv: Amerikansk väggört
Synonyms
- Helxine pennsylvanica (Nieuwl.)
- Parietaria occidentalis (Rydb.)
- Parietaria rufa (Raf.)
- Parietaria linguifolia (Liebm.)
- Parietaria heterophyla (Raf.)
- Parietaria falcata (Raf.)
- Freirea pensylvanica ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Jarm.)
- Parietaria debilis var. pensylvanica ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Wedd.)
- Parietaria orizabae (Liebm.)
- Parietaria pensylvanica var. microphylla (Wedd.)
- Parietaria virgata (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by joshua jebin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Joshua Jebin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Bénard Tremblay Milo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Gray Bear (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Nate Konkel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Bénard Tremblay Milo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2019 by Sophie S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Donda karina (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Aug 24, 2018 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2017 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 23, 2016 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 23, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 28, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 28, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 8, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Glenn L (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Jon Bell (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361796)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:183216-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Parietaria pensylvanica Muhl. ex Willd.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb