Pennyroyal

(Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Mentha pulegium, commonly known as Pennyroyal, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the Mediterranean Basin, including Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in moist, open habitats such as riverbanks, natural springs, and damp grasslands. The plant typically grows to a height of 0.5-1 feet and spreads out to 3-6 feet wide. Pennyroyal has oval, slightly hairy leaves and produces small lilac to purple flowers from late summer to autumn, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Pennyroyal is valued for its intense minty fragrance, which is released when the leaves are crushed. It is often used in herb gardens, as a ground cover, and for its historical use in herbal medicine, though it should be used with caution due to its toxic properties when ingested in large quantities. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, it flourishes in loamy or clay soils. Pennyroyal can be propagated easily by division or cuttings. However, it is known to be potentially invasive outside its native range and can spread aggressively, especially in California. It is also susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist, open habitats such as riverbanks, natural springs, and damp grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Pennyrile, Mosquito Plant, Pudding Grass, Penny-Royal, European Pennyroyal, Poleiminze, Polei-Minze, Menthe Pouliot, Polei, Pennyroyoal

Scientific Names: , Mentha pulegium, Mentha pulegium subsp. pulegium, Pulegium vulgare, Mentha pulegium var. tomentella, Mentha pulegium var. erecta, Mentha gibraltarica, Mentha pulegium var. hirsuta, Mentha pulegium subsp. vulgaris, Mentha tomentella

GBIF Accepted Name: Mentha pulegium L.