Mesamint
Pogogyne douglasii parviflora

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Pogogyne douglasii parviflora is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Low places below 1000 metres.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The leaves are used as a sweet and aromatic flavouring for wheat and barley piñole. The leaves are used as a tea substitute. Seed - raw or cooked. It is used as an aromatic ingredient of wheat and barley piñole. Highly prized by the native American Indians, it is gathered in surprisingly large quantities.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves have been used as a counter-irritant in the treatment of stomach and bowel pains.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

The leaves have been used against fleas. The report does not specify if this is as a repellent or insecticide.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species but believe that it can be grown as a half-hardy annual in Britain. It is likely to need a sunny position in a light or medium well-drained soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early to mid spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. parviflora. Benth.