Mentha pulegium
TAXONOMY
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusMentha
Zone6
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Mentha pulegium, commonly known as pennyroyal, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Pennyroyal has a strong minty aroma and has been used historically for medicinal purposes. It prefers temperate climates and can be found in moist, well-drained soils.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Calamintha Fenzlii
Micromeria Dalmatica
Micromeria Fenzlii
Micromeria Maritima
Minthe Pulegia
Pennyroyal
Satureja Fenzlii
Thymus Bidentatus
Melissa pulegium
Mentha albarracinensis
Mentha aromatica
Mentha aucheri
Mentha daghestanica
Mentha erinoides
Mentha exigua
Mentha gibraltarica
Mentha hirtiflora
Mentha montana
Mentha numidica
Mentha pulegioides
Mentha pulegium f. alba
Mentha pulegium f. albiflora
Mentha pulegium f. albiflorum
Mentha pulegium f. anodonta
Mentha pulegium f. brusanensis
Mentha pulegium f. cephalonia
Mentha pulegium f. cermatisa
Mentha pulegium f. communis
Mentha pulegium f. foetida
Mentha pulegium f. hellenica
Mentha pulegium f. macrostylos
Mentha pulegium f. setuligera
Mentha pulegium f. sphenoides
Mentha pulegium f. stenobasea
Mentha pulegium f. strongylophylla
Mentha pulegium subsp. cephalonia
Mentha pulegium subsp. erinoides
Mentha pulegium subsp. gibraltarica
Mentha pulegium subsp. tomentosa
Mentha pulegium subsp. vulgaris
Mentha pulegium var. cacocea
Mentha pulegium var. cotorensis
Mentha pulegium var. erecta
Mentha pulegium var. eriantha
Mentha pulegium var. exigua
Mentha pulegium var. gigantea
Mentha pulegium var. heterophylla
Mentha pulegium var. hirsuta
Mentha pulegium var. hirtiflora
Mentha pulegium var. humifusa
Mentha pulegium var. hyperiantha
Mentha pulegium var. microphylla
Mentha pulegium var. prostrata
Mentha pulegium var. pubescens
Mentha pulegium var. strongylophylla
Mentha pulegium var. subtomentella
Mentha pulegium var. thymoides
Mentha pulegium var. tomentella
Mentha pulegium var. villosa
Mentha pulegium var. vulgaris
Mentha subtomentella
Mentha subtomentella var. ceplaloniae
Mentha subtomentella var. humillima
Mentha subtomentella var. microphylla
Mentha tomentella
Mentha tomentosa
Mentha tomentosa var. villosa
Pulegium aromaticum
Pulegium daghestanicum
Pulegium erectum
Pulegium heterophyllum
Pulegium micranthum
Pulegium pubescens
Pulegium pulegium
Pulegium tomentella
Pulegium tomentellum f. erianthum
Pulegium tomentellum f. ninimum
Pulegium vulgare
Pulegium vulgare f. algeriense
Pulegium vulgare f. hirsutum
Pulegium vulgare f. incanum
Pulegium vulgare f. linearifolium
Pulegium vulgare f. nummulariuoides
Pulegium vulgare f. serratum
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Pennyroyal requires bright, direct light for optimal growth. It thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers a humid environment. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.Soil
Pennyroyal prefers well-draining loamy soil with moderate nutrient concentration. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Adding organic matter can improve soil structure and fertility.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-5. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Repotting
Repot pennyroyal every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Pennyroyal can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Take stem cuttings in spring or early summer and root them in moist soil. Alternatively, divide the plant during the dormant period and replant the divisions in separate pots or garden beds.Pruning
Prune pennyroyal regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems and trim back leggy growth. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season.Toxicity
Pennyroyal is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The essential oils, particularly pulegone, can cause severe liver and kidney damage. All parts of the plant are toxic, and it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.Additional
Pennyroyal has been used historically as a natural insect repellent. However, due to its toxicity, it should be used with caution. Always handle the plant with care and wash hands thoroughly after touching it.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
