Photo: Taro IetakaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
American Pennyroyal Plant Care
Hedeoma pulegioides Pers.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognizable by its small, lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Originating from North America, it thrives in rocky, well-drained soils. Plant collectors are drawn to Hedeoma pulegioides for its strong aromatic scent and medicinal properties, making it a unique addition to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for American Pennyroyal?
Water American Pennyroyal every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the American Pennyroyal Native To?
What Is the American Pennyroyal?
American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Hedeoma genus. American Pennyroyal is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia and southern Ontario west to Minnesota and South Dakota, and south to northern Georgia and Arkansas. American Pennyroyal is also known as Pennyroyal.
American Pennyroyal displays a low mat-forming herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. American Pennyroyal produces small lavender to blue tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Pennyroyal?
Hedeoma pulegioides requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American Pennyroyal Need?
American Pennyroyal thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Pennyroyal Prefer?
Hedeoma pulegioides grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. American Pennyroyal prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Pennyroyal?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for American Pennyroyal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American Pennyroyal?
Feed American Pennyroyal every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a American Pennyroyal?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a American Pennyroyal?
American Pennyroyal can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mock pennyroyal plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Pennyroyal Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American Pennyroyal, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the American Pennyroyal?
American Pennyroyal is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the American Pennyroyal Need?
American Pennyroyal grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. American Pennyroyal is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia and southern Ontario west to Minnesota and South Dakota, and south to northern Georgia and Arkansas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
American Pennyroyal is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hedeoma genus — compare its care with other Hedeoma species on PlantoScan.
Hedeoma is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
American Pennyroyal thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hedeoma pulegioides Pers., family Lamiaceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 2: 131 (1806)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Pennyroyal, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Taro Ietaka, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
American Pennyroyal Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species