Wall pellitory is well known as a troublesome weed to anyone who has gardened in Greece, particularly if there are walls to maintain; it seems able to grow out of the smallest cracks and is almost impossible to get rid of. The bright green leaves are covered in sticky hairs, which gives rise to the alternative name of sticky-weed.

A member of the nettle family, Parietaria judaica is wind pollinated and produces vast amounts of pollen in both spring and autumn. Allergy to the pollen is common and it is recognised as a potent cause of asthma. For many centuries herbalist have advocated the plant as a cure for many disorders including, ironically, cough, a symptom of asthma!