Herbs: Shiso/Perilla, 1 by Horseshoe

Horseshoe wrote:
Breezy...I was at a friend's house last week and we dug up some Perilla/Shiso from her back yard. At least that is what it sure seems to me to be. (She has always called it some type of coleus.)

This has the square stems the perilla has and also the fringed foliage and a slight hint of a minty/anise aroma. Do you know if there is a look-alike plant that would mimic perilla? I would hate to eat a "coleus" but I declare, with the foliage, square stems, and mild aroma this has GOT to be perilla, eh?

She says this stuff comes up every year in her yard...I guess it drops seeds or maybe in our zone the roots stay alive over winter. (By the way, my friend is in her upper 70's and was born in this house...she says it's been here as long as she can remember. I love going to her place!)