American False Pennyroyal
(Hedeoma pulegioides)
American False Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides)
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aarongunnar
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aarongunnar
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: aarongunnar | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: aarongunnar | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-07-22T15:39:05-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hedeoma pulegioides, commonly known as American False Pennyroyal, is an annual herb that is native to open woodlands, grasslands, and fields across the Eastern and Central United States, as well as Eastern Canada. It typically grows from 15 to 30 cm tall and is characterized by its slender erect, much-branched, somewhat hairy, and square stem. The leaves are small, thin, and rather narrow, exuding a strong mint-like odor and pungent taste when crushed. American False Pennyroyal produces pale blue, monoecious flowers in small clusters from mid to late summer, which are modest in showiness but add a delicate charm to the plant’s appearance.
This plant is valued for its aromatic foliage, which can be used for herbal purposes, and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and as a ground cover in sunny areas. American False Pennyroyal thrives in full sun and adapts to a range of soil moisture conditions, from low to medium water requirements, and is tolerant of various soil drainage types. While it is not commonly available in nurseries, it can be grown from seed and is relatively easy to maintain. However, gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its aromatic foliage, which can be used for herbal purposes, and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and as a ground cover in sunny areas. American False Pennyroyal thrives in full sun and adapts to a range of soil moisture conditions, from low to medium water requirements, and is tolerant of various soil drainage types. While it is not commonly available in nurseries, it can be grown from seed and is relatively easy to maintain. However, gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-1 feet
- Width: 0.21-0.7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and fields
Other Names
Common Names: American Pennyroyal , Pudding-Grass , Hédéoma Faux-Pouliot
Scientific Names: Hedeoma pulegioides , Cunila pulegioides , Ziziphora pulegioides , Melissa pulegioides
GBIF Accepted Name: Hedeoma pulegioides (L.) Pers.