Mentha pulegium

Pennyroyal

This wonderful little mint is prostrate specie that has the most charming flowers. We have it planted  in cracks between rocks and on the edge of beds in order for it to prevent unwanted plants growing in these spaces. Characteristic of the mint familly it also is a good companion plant with pest repellant properties .

    native region: europe
    native habitat: Moist meadows and sandy soils by streams
    family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

     no experience of any pests or predators

Needs, tolerances

    Light: Semi-shade or no shade
    soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline
    Hardiness Zone: 7
    Prefers moist soil
    Drought tolerant  
    Most mints have fairly aggressive spreading roots and, unless you have the space to let them roam, they need to be restrained by some means such as planting them in containers that are buried in the soil.
    Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer

Known hazards

     In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so it should not be used by pregnant women. Avoid if patient has fits or seizures and those with liver or kidney disease. oral intake may cause abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion, delirium, auditory & visual hallucinations

    
Picture
Overview

    3lv per plant
    1yr old division in pots
     Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.6 m (2ft).
    It is hardy to zone 7 and is not frost tender.
    It is in flower from Aug to October, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October.
    The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
    It is noted for attracting wildlife.
    Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil.
    Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
    It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
    It prefers moist soil.

    
Characteristics

    form: herbaceous perennial
    layer : Herb Layer
    habit: prostare spreading via rhiizomes  .
    height x width (m):
    years to bearing yield: 0 years  
    productive life span: indefinite

Products

    Leaf:Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. A spearmint-like flavour, though rather coarser. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. For drying, it should be harvested as the plant comes into flower.
    Medicinal: Pennyroyal has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Its main value is as a digestive tonic where it increases the secretion of digestive juices and relieves flatulence and colic

Functions, behaviors

    wind dispersed seeds
    spreads via rhizomes
    easy to propagate from soft wood cuttings and division.
    Unlike other plants in this genus does not Hybridizes freely.
    The flowers are very attractive to bees
    The growing plant is said to repel flies and ants.
    Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint.
     A good companion for growing near cabbages and tomatoes, helping to keep them free of insect pests