Hedeoma pulegioides (Linnaeus) Persoon. American Pennyroyal. Phen: Jul-Oct. Hab: Dry soils of woodlands, roadbanks, woods-roads, especially common in shaly parts of the mountains. Dist: NS, s. QC, s. ON, MI, WI, and IA south to c. SC, c. GA, and AR.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Other Comments: The fragrant oil is apparently very similar to that of the European Pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium Linnaeus. The oil is a powerful insect repellent and insecticide, often used on pets to repel fleas. It is also poisonous to humans, however, at least in substantial quantities. It is sometimes used as a tea; native Americans are reputed to have used it as an abortion inducer. This plant should be used with great caution, if at all.
Synonymy: = Ar, C, F, G, Il, K1, K3, K4, Mi, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, Tat, Tn, Va, W, WV, Irving (1980); = Hedeoma pulgioides – GrPl, orthographic error
Heliophily: 6
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© Alan M. Cressler | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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