Pennyroyal
(European Pennyroyal)
Mentha pulegium

[MEN-tha  pul-ee-GEE-um]

FAMILY: Lamiacea (Mint)

DESCRIPTION: {introduced} All parts of this plant are hairy, from it's stems and leaves to it's sepals and petals. It's tiny violet to purple flowers grow in axillary tiers at the top of squarish stems, with opposite ovate to elliptic leaves on the lower stem. Like all mints, it's fruits are nutlets. It has a strong minty odor.

HABITAT:Moist areas, ditches (our dam edge) under 3,000'.

NOTES: It's scientific name pulegium means 'repels fleas', and it has been used as an insect repellant. But caution is advised as it's oils are fatally TOXIC if ingested and can cause dermatitis if sensitive.