False Pennyroyal
Trichostema brachiatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
False Pennyroyal (Trichostema brachiatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
9"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CT and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
False Pennyroyal is a compact annual wildflower with small, aromatic leaves and tiny blue to purple flowers that bloom from summer through late fall. This low-growing native forms neat mounds and provides extended color in the garden with minimal water requirements.
In an HOA neighborhood
False Pennyroyal is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Requires seasonal replanting
- May have messy dieback
Wildlife value
This plant is particularly valuable for native bees and other small pollinators during its long blooming season from June through November.
Common questions
- How much sun does False Pennyroyal need?
- False Pennyroyal grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does False Pennyroyal bloom?
- False Pennyroyal blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is False Pennyroyal native?
- False Pennyroyal (Trichostema brachiatum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does False Pennyroyal attract?
- False Pennyroyal draws bees.
- Is False Pennyroyal HOA-friendly?
- False Pennyroyal is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow False Pennyroyal? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz