American Pennyroyal, American false pennyroyal
Hedeoma pulegioides
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Hedeoma pulegioides is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry soils in open woods and fields.
N. America - S. Quebec to Minnesota and S. Dakota, then south to Tennessee and Arkansas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
The leaves have a very strong mint-like aroma and taste, they can be brewed into a refreshing tea that promotes good digestion, or they can be used as a culinary flavouring. An essential oil from the plant is used by the food industry as a flavouring in beverages, ice cream, baked goods etc.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 3
American pennyroyal has a long history of medicinal use by various native North American Indian tribes and has become a traditional household remedy in North America. It is used mainly in the treatment of digestive disorders, colds, whooping cough, painful menstruation and as an aid in childbirth. A tea made from the leaves or flowering stems is carminative, rubefacient, stimulant. It is used to treat colds because it promotes perspiration. A tea with brewers yeast can induce an abortion. The plants are harvested when flowering and can be used fresh or dried. The essential oil is distilled from the plants when they are in flower and used medicinally in the same ways as the leaves. Caution is advised since the pure essential oil is very toxic and ingestion can be lethal whilst skin contact can cause dermatitis.
Abortifacient: Causes an abortion.
Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Other
Rating:
The essential oil is used as an ingredient in commercial insect repellents and cleaning products. The plant is used as an insect repellent. When rubbed on the body it is said to repel ticks.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained acidic soil of low to moderate fertility. Another report says that it prefers a rich sandy soil in sun or partial shade. The plants neat habit and aromatic foliage make it a good candidate for growing in containers or planting near seats.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in spring or autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can be toxic if taken internally. Skin contact with the pure essential oil can cause dermatitis