Origin
Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling, commonly known as mountain pennyroyal, is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California in Mexico.
Common Names
Mountain pennyroyal is also known as coyote mint, monardella, and mountain balm.
Uses
Mountain pennyroyal has been used for its medicinal properties by Native American tribes for centuries. It was believed to have antiseptic and digestive qualities and was used to treat headaches, colds, and fevers. The plant contains a compound called pulegone, which is also found in pennyroyal oil and has been used as a natural insect repellent. Mountain pennyroyal is also used in herbal teas, sachets, and potpourris for its minty scent.
General Appearance
Mountain pennyroyal is a small, perennial herb that grows up to 1 foot tall. It has square stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green and slightly hairy. The plant produces clusters of small, lavender-pink flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant grows in dry, rocky soils in mountainous regions, particularly in sagebrush and chaparral ecosystems.
Light requirements
The Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling requires full sun exposure to grow efficiently. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but growth and flowering are stunted under low light conditions. The plant is adapted to grow in areas with high light intensity.
Temperature requirements
The plant needs warm to hot temperatures to grow optimally. It grows well in hot and dry conditions and can tolerate low humidity. The Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but can thrive in temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil requirements
The Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling thrives in well-drained, alkaline soils with moderate fertility. The plant can grow in rocky soils and can tolerate low nutrient levels. Soil with pH ranges between 6.6 and 8.5 is ideal for growing the Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling.
Cultivation
The Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling plant is native to California and can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The ideal conditions for growing this plant include well-draining soil, full sun exposure, and a suitable temperature range of 50-80°F. It is best to plant this species in the spring season.
Watering Needs
The Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling plant requires moderate watering. It is crucial to water the plant deeply but not too frequently to avoid overwatering. The frequency of watering the plant is subject to change depending on the temperature and humidity levels in the growing environment. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling plant is essential for its growth and overall health. It is best to use organic fertilizers, which should be applied in the spring season at least two weeks after planting. Fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium are ideal for this species.
Pruning
The Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling plant requires occasional pruning to keep it in good shape and promote better growth. The ideal time for pruning this species is in the spring season before it starts producing new growth. Cut back the stems to just above the nodes using pruning shears. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter season to prevent frost damage.
Propagation of Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling
Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling, commonly called mountain pennyroyal or Coyote mint, is a fragrant herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a native plant of California, Arizona, and northern Baja California, Mexico. The plant grows up to 1-2 feet tall and wide and produces lavender-pink flowers in clusters on the terminal ends of stems in the summer.
There are several ways to propagate Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling plants:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds, which can be obtained from specialty nurseries or collected from mature plants. Collect seeds when the seed capsules have matured and turned brown. Sow the seeds indoors in early spring or outdoors in the fall or winter after the last frost. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a sunny location or under grow lights. Seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the garden after the last frost.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division, which involves dividing the mature plant into smaller sections. Division is best done in the spring when new growth appears. Dig up the plant and separate the stems and roots into smaller sections. Replant each division in a well-drained soil with good organic matter and water thoroughly. Place the plant in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
Stem Cutting Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings in summer or early fall. Cut a 4- to 6-inch long stem from a healthy plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot with well-draining soil. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a shaded location. Water the cutting regularly and mist the leaves with water to keep the humidity high. Roots will form within 4-6 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly to the garden.
Propagation of Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis (Abrams) Epling is relatively easy and can be done through seeds, division, or stem cuttings. Proper care and maintenance of the plants will ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Disease Management
Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and development. One common disease that affects this species is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can cause white or grayish powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, which can reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity and eventually, the overall growth and yield of the plant.
To manage powdery mildew, the use of fungicides is recommended. Some fungicides that are effective against powdery mildew on Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis include sulfur, neem oil, and horticultural oil. It is essential to follow the instructions on the fungicide label to ensure proper use and safety.
Another disease that can affect Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis is leaf spot disease. The disease presents as dark, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by fungal infection. Leaf spot disease can reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity, leading to reduced growth and yield of the plant.
To manage leaf spot disease, the use of fungicides such as copper-based products is effective. Regularly remove affected leaves and dispose of them to reduce the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis can also be subjected to pest attacks that can harm the plant. One of the most common pests is the spider mite. The spider mite feeds on the plant's sap, leading to discoloration, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
To manage spider mites, the use of insecticidal soaps and oils is effective. These products can smother the mites and prevent them from damaging the plant. Additionally, regularly irrigating the plant can help reduce the impact of spider mites on Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis.
The plant may also be attacked by aphids. Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. It is essential to monitor the plant regularly and check for the presence of these insects.
One effective way to manage aphids is by releasing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. These predators feed on aphids and can help control their population. Applying insecticidal soaps and oils can also be effective in managing aphids.
Overall, to manage pests and diseases effectively in Monardella odoratissima Benth. ssp. australis, it is essential to regularly monitor the plant, use appropriate control methods for each pest or disease, and ensure proper plant nutrition and irrigation for healthy plant growth.
