Monardella odoratissima
| Monardella odoratissima | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Monardella odoratissima (common name: mountain pennyroyal)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of semi-ripe shoots, July in a frame[1].
Cultivation: Prefers a moist but well-drained sandy soil[2][1]. Requires a sunny position[1]. Strongly resents excessively cold damp soils in the winter[1].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[1].
A very polymorphic species, there are many sub-species[1].
Range: Western N. America - Washington to California.
Habitat: Open wet or dry, often rocky places at low to moderate elevations[3].
Edibility: The fresh or dried aromatic leaves and flower heads are steeped in cold water to make a refreshing mint-like tea[4].
Medicinal: The plant is carminative and febrifuge[5]. A decoction of the stems and flower heads has been used in the treatment of flatulence and other digestive upsets, colds and fevers[5]. The decoction is also used as an eye wash for sore or inflamed eyes[5].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Livingstone, B. Flora of Canada. National Museums of Canada, 1978.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.