Habitat and Range
Pennyroyal grows abundantly throughout the high country and frequently in patches along dry and rocky trails. Most people notice the intense minty smell before sighting the flower. It grows at elevations between 4000 and 11,000 ft.
Physical Description
This erect unbranching perennial usually grows 1 foot tall in patches that are visually inconspicuous. The pungent smell is more of a distinguishing characteristic. Like other Labiatae, Pennyroyal has opposite leaves and square (4-angled) stems. Mountain Pennyroyal (above) has ovate to lanceolate shaped leaves that grow nearly sessile to the stem and no longer than one inch. The inflorescence is a white to pinkish head mainly 1 inch wide with leaf-like bracts below. The calyx (sepals) is slightly hairy and the corolla (petals) are about a half inch long.
Food Uses
The aromatic leaves and flowers of this plant make a delicious tea. In fact, many people swear that this is the best tea they have ever had.
Medicinal Uses
Pennyroyal is a delight to find and smell when hiking in the high country. I find this plant to be a great relief from sore and tired muscles. It takes my mind off the pains of rigorous backcountry travel and reminds me of the wild and beautiful natural surroundings that the wilderness offers. I often pick a stem with leaves and flowers in tact, and put it behind my ear like a pencil to carry the fresh scent with me as I hike. The minty odor truly lifts the spirits, as does the tea.
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