Mountain Pennyroyal, Mountain monardella
Monardella odoratissima
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Monardella odoratissima is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Open wet or dry, often rocky places at low to moderate elevations.
Western N. America - Washington to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The fresh or dried aromatic leaves and flower heads are steeped in cold water to make a refreshing mint-like tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is carminative and febrifuge. A decoction of the stems and flower heads has been used in the treatment of flatulence and other digestive upsets, colds and fevers. The decoction is also used as an eye wash for sore or inflamed eyes.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a moist but well-drained sandy soil. Requires a sunny position. Strongly resents excessively cold damp soils in the winter. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A very polymorphic species, there are many sub-species.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of semi-ripe shoots, July in a frame.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist