Reverchon’s False Pennyroyal: A Lesser-Known Native Treasure
Meet Reverchon’s false pennyroyal (Hedeoma reverchonii var. serpyllifolia), a charming native perennial that might just be one of the best-kept secrets in the world of native gardening. While this little herb doesn’t make headlines like its flashier garden cousins, it deserves a closer look from gardeners seeking authentic regional natives.
What Exactly Is Reverchon’s False Pennyroyal?
This delightful plant is a perennial forb herb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. As part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), it shares that family’s characteristic of being generally well-behaved in the garden. The botanical name might be a mouthful, but don’t let that intimidate you – this is simply a regional variety of a native American mint.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its synonyms Hedeoma sancta or Hedeoma serpyllifolia in older botanical references, so don’t be confused if you see different names floating around.
Where Does It Call Home?
Reverchon’s false pennyroyal is a true regional native, naturally occurring in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in these areas who want to create authentic, regionally appropriate landscapes that support local ecosystems.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky – and honestly, quite intriguing. While this native plant has clear ecological credentials, detailed cultivation information is surprisingly scarce. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it just means you’d be joining the ranks of adventurous gardeners willing to experiment with lesser-known natives.
The Reality Check
Let’s be upfront: if you’re looking for a plant with detailed growing guides and abundant nursery availability, Reverchon’s false pennyroyal might test your patience. However, if you’re the type of gardener who enjoys:
- Supporting truly local native plants
- Experimenting with uncommon species
- Creating unique, regionally authentic gardens
- Contributing to native plant conservation through cultivation
Then this plant could be perfect for you.
What We Know About Growing It
While specific cultivation details are limited, we can make some educated assumptions based on its native habitat and family characteristics:
- As a native of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, it likely tolerates heat and drought well
- Being in the mint family, it probably prefers well-draining soil
- Most native herbs in this region thrive with minimal supplemental watering once established
- It should be hardy in USDA zones typical of its native range
Finding and Growing This Plant
Your biggest challenge will likely be sourcing this plant. It’s not commonly available in mainstream nurseries, so you might need to:
- Contact specialized native plant nurseries in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico
- Reach out to native plant societies in these states
- Connect with botanical gardens or universities with native plant programs
- Look for seed exchanges or native plant swaps
The Bottom Line
Reverchon’s false pennyroyal represents an interesting opportunity for dedicated native plant enthusiasts. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or grow, it offers the satisfaction of cultivating a truly regional native that supports local ecology. If you’re in its native range and enjoy garden adventures, it could be worth seeking out.
Just remember: when dealing with lesser-known natives, patience and experimentation are your best friends. Start small, observe carefully, and don’t be afraid to reach out to local native plant communities for advice and support.
Sometimes the most rewarding garden plants are the ones that make you work a little harder to understand them.
