Identify pennyroyal by its flower
- Flower color: lavender-violet
- Flowering period: July to September
- Stamens longer than flower
- The throat is hairy
- Height: 10 - 30 cm
- Scent: pungent smell of mint
Most of the properties of the pennyroyal also apply to the non-toxic peppermint. The only differences that can be seen with the naked eye are the length of the stamens and the throat.
In the pennyroyal, the stamens protrude beyond the flower, while in the peppermint they are the same length.
The pennyroyal mint's throat has a slight hairiness that does not occur in peppermint.
also read
- Pennyroyal is poisonous and not suitable for consumption
- The side effects of peppermint
- Recognize and drive away peppermint pests
At which locations is pennyroyal found?
Pennyroyal is very rare. It grows mainly on moist soils near rivers and lakes.
Pennyroyal prefers lime poor but nutrient-rich soils.
There are only larger occurrences of pennyroyal in the Rhine-Danube area.
It is not easy to recognize clearly
The distinction between peppermint and pennyroyal is not easy. Crossing it with other types of mint also changes the flowers and leaves of peppermint. Sometimes it is no longer possible to determine which species it is, even with a closer examination.
If you are not sure, you should leave such plants alone. Pennyroyal poisoning can cause serious discomfort.
Pennyroyal is no longer used as a medicinal plant
Because of its toxicity in all parts of the plant, pennyroyal no longer plays a role in today's natural medicine. In addition, recent research has shown that pennyroyal poison can damage the liver.
In the past, the herb was used to make tea, which was used for contraception and abortions. The deaths caused by ingestion helped identify the toxicity of the plant.
In small doses, pennyroyal may only be used as a spice.
Tips
Pennyroyal is an endangered species and is a protected species. It is therefore hardly to be feared that it will be confused with the frequently occurring peppermint.
