Rough False Pennyroyal
Hedeoma hispida
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Rough False Pennyroyal (Hedeoma hispida) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, wasps
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.
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Rough false pennyroyal is a small, aromatic annual herb that forms low, spreading mats in sunny locations. It produces tiny white or pale purple flowers from June through August and thrives in dry conditions with minimal care.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rough False Pennyroyal takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very small size makes it appear weedy
- Annual nature means gaps in coverage
- Informal wild appearance doesn't suit maintained landscapes
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and beneficial wasps during the summer months. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for smaller pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rough False Pennyroyal need?
- Rough False Pennyroyal grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Rough False Pennyroyal bloom?
- Rough False Pennyroyal blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Rough False Pennyroyal native?
- Rough False Pennyroyal (Hedeoma hispida) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Rough False Pennyroyal attract?
- Rough False Pennyroyal draws bees and wasps.
- Is Rough False Pennyroyal HOA-friendly?
- Rough False Pennyroyal takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Rough 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
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