# Florida pennyroyal (*Piloblephis rigida*)

Florida pennyroyal is a small, fragrant plant that grows close to the ground. It has tiny leaves and pretty purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Coastal areas

![Florida pennyroyal](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Wild_pennyroyal_%28Piloblephis_rigida%29_%288395478679%29.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wild_pennyroyal_%28Piloblephis_rigida%29_%288395478679%29.jpg)

## Appearance

The Florida pennyroyal is a low-growing, aromatic herb with small, stiff, dark green leaves. Its tiny, tubular flowers bloom in clusters, usually displaying delicate shades of lavender, pink, or white, making it a subtle beauty in its natural habitat.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Lamiales
- **Family:** Lamiaceae
- **Genus:** Piloblephis

## Interesting facts

- For centuries, people have brewed its leaves to make a traditional, refreshing minty tea!
- Its scientific name, Piloblephis, means "hairy lip," describing its fuzzy little flowers!
- Rubbing its leaves releases a powerful, refreshing minty aroma!
- This tough native plant thrives in sandy, dry soils where others wilt!

## Special abilities

- **Sunshine Survivor:** Florida pennyroyal has tough roots that help it thrive even in poor, sandy soils and harsh, sunny conditions.
- **Pollinator Beacon:** Florida pennyroyal produces small, nectar-rich flowers that act as a vibrant landing strip for busy bees and butterflies.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-30 cm
- **Spread:** 15-45 cm
- **Flower Size:** 0.5-1 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Late spring to fall
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — visits flowers for nectar and pollen
- **Pollinates:** common eastern bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — an important native pollinator
- **Pollinates:** [monarch butterfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/monarch-butterfly) (*Danaus plexippus*) — sips nectar from its small blossoms

## Traits

- [Aromatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aromatic): Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Medicinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/medicinal): Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Always ask an adult before touching or tasting plants.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Florida pennyroyal?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Florida pennyroyal?

10-30 cm

### How wide does Florida pennyroyal spread?

15-45 cm

### How big are the flowers on Florida pennyroyal?

0.5-1 cm

### When does Florida pennyroyal bloom?

Late spring to fall

### Is Florida pennyroyal edible?

Yes

### Is Florida pennyroyal toxic?

None

### What is Florida pennyroyal's lifecycle?

Perennial

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Florida pennyroyal: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/florida-pennyroyal)