Hedeoma pulegioides - American Pennyroyal

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Annual
Height:	0.3
Width:	0.2
Synonyms:
Range:	N. America - S. Quebec to Minnesota and S. Dakota, then south to Tennessee and Arkansas.

Hedeoma pulegioides (American Pennyroyal) is a Annual which grows to a height of 0.3m and a width of 0.2m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
American Pennyroyal will flower in January to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

American Pennyroyal will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
American Pennyroyal prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

American Pennyroyal can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Dry soils[43 in open woods and fields[169].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained acidic soil of low to moderate fertility[169]. Another report says that it prefers a rich sandy soil in sun or partial shade[238]. The plants neat habit and aromatic foliage make it a good candidate for growing in containers or planting near seats[238].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 3/5
The leaves have a very strong mint-like aroma and taste[171], they can be brewed into a refreshing tea that promotes good digestion, or they can be used as a culinary flavouring[183, 238]. An essential oil from the plant is used by the food industry as a flavouring in beverages, ice cream, baked goods etc[183].

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

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
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[238]. It is used mainly in the treatment of digestive disorders, colds, whooping cough, painful menstruation and as an aid in childbirth[238]. A tea made from the leaves or flowering stems is carminative, rubefacient, stimulant[46, 61, 171]. It is used to treat colds because it promotes perspiration[207]. A tea with brewers yeast can induce an abortion[213]. The plants are harvested when flowering and can be used fresh or dried[213, 238]. 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[222, 238].

• 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.

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in spring or autumn[169].

Scented parts of the plants

Leaves : Crushed

Known Hazards

In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can be toxic if taken internally[222]. Skin contact with the pure essential oil can cause dermatitis[222]

Other Uses

The essential oil is used as an ingredient in commercial insect repellents and cleaning products[238]. The plant is used as an insect repellent[169, 171]. When rubbed on the body it is said to repel ticks[207].

• 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.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

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