Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal) is an annual or perennial herb that is native to Europe, Northern Africa and across the Middle East. Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family, has a similar strong fragrance and is also used in common traditional folk medicine. Primarily, it is used as the ideal insect repellent both in the garden and once harvested around the home.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Mentha pulegium is also commonly called the Pennyrile, Pudding Grass, European Pennyroyal or the Mosquito Plant. The crushed leaves of Pennyroyal emits a strong fragrance that closely resembles both Peppermint and Spearmint.
Despite its use in traditional folk remedies, in modern medicine, Pennyroyal is considered toxic to the liver and should not be ingested.
To view our full range of herbs click here.
Growth
Mentha pulegium is a fast growing herb plant that grows to only 40cm (16 inches) in height and roughly the same wide. Like all the species in the mint family, Pennyroyal is hardy, tolerant of poor soils and spells of drought and prefers a slightly acidic soil.
The leaves grow in opposite pairs and are narrowly oval with a sparsely toothed end. Stems can vary in colour, ranging from red to purple while some plants have hairy stems while others can be completely hairless. Pennyroyal enjoys full sun or part shade and is best grown in pots where their potential to become invasive can be contained.
Flowers bloom on long vertical spikes during Summer and are lilac or purple.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, slightly acidic.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 180cm (6 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
6-12 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
65-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 13-20°C / 55-68°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 10000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT MENTHA PULEGIUM (Pennyroyal)
Mentha pulegium or Pennyroyal was a popular herb throughout Europe for centuries and was used as commonly as oregano and coriander in recipes. Today it is considered toxic and is no longer used as a culinary herb, but more generally as a household cleaner or insect repellent.
As a pest repellent, Pennyroyal is effective at warding off gnats, fleas and mosquitos while being an excellent companion plant for fruit trees and vegetables that are susceptible to insect infestations.
In October 1994, the US Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Heath and Education Act which included a condition to have warning labels on any form of Pennyroyal products.
Pennyroyal was so popular during the Middle Ages that the Royal Society published an article that suggested it was excellent at repelling rattlesnakes. During this period, Pennyroyal was used to treat colds, fevers, coughs, indigestion, liver and kidney problems and headaches. But today, most naturopaths would recommend other non-toxic herbs to treat the same conditions.
For more information about Pennyroyal medicinal benefits click here.
