Parietaria judaica

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Parietaria judaica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Rosales Family: Urticaceae Genus: Parietaria Species: P. judaica
Binomial name
Parietaria judaica L.

Parietaria judaica (spreading pellitory) is a species in the family Urticaceae, commonly nicknamed sticky-weed. In Australia it is also known as asthma weed, due to the high incidence of allergies to its pollen. It is unrelated to the herb pellitory (Anacyclus pyrethrum). It is easily confused with the very similar species Parietaria officinalis or pellitory of the wall.

The plant has pink or red hairy stems, green leaves with smooth margins, and tiny white or pink flowers attached to the stems. The nickname sticky-weed is due to the adherent quality of the flowers and of the hairy stems; unlike some related nettles, the hairs do not sting.

Spreading pellitory is native to the Mediterranean but has become widespread in coastal areas of the United Kingdom, Australia, and North America. Generally considered a weed, it is often found on roadsides and in cracks of buildings. However, it is useful in a habitat garden as it is the larval food plant for red admiral butterflies.