The foliage of the Beefsteak Plant is very distinctive when it becomes deep burgundy in bright sunlight. However, its leaves are often olive green in shadier conditions. This species resembles no native plant in Illinois. However, it does resemble some introduced Coleus cultivars with dark burgundy foliage. Such cultivars usually have a narrow band of green or yellow along the leaf margins. The leaf margins of the Beefsteak Plant have large serrated teeth, while the leaf margins of Coleus cultivars tend to have smaller crenate teeth. There are also differences in the structure and shape of their flowers. Another common name for Perilla frutescens is Purple Perilla. Its leaves are used as a vegetable in the Orient.