Pignut
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(Mesosphaerum suaveolens)
Pignut (Mesosphaerum suaveolens)
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© Don Loarie
CC BY 4.0
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© Don Loarie
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Don Loarie | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: dloarie | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Mesosphaerum suaveolens, synonym Hyptis suaveolens, commonly known as pignut or chan, is an annual herb native to tropical open woodlands and disturbed areas in Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies. It has also become naturalized in tropical parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. This plant typically grows 3.3-9.8 feet tall, with hairy stems that have a square cross-section. The leaves are 0.8-3.9 inches long, with shallowly toothed margins and emit a strong minty odor when crushed. It is not a pseudocereal and should not be confused with Salvia hispanica, which is commonly known as chia.
Mesosphaerum suaveolens is valued for its aromatic leaves and is used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established. In cultivation, it can be used as a border plant or for naturalizing areas. However, it is potentially invasive outside its native range due to its prolific seed production and should be grown with caution. Gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mesosphaerum suaveolens is valued for its aromatic leaves and is used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established. In cultivation, it can be used as a border plant or for naturalizing areas. However, it is potentially invasive outside its native range due to its prolific seed production and should be grown with caution. Gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Tropical open woodlands and disturbed areas
Other Names
Common Names: Sweet-scented Mesosphaerum, Betônica-Brava, Horehound, Mintbush, Mintweed, Pignut, Wild Spikenard
Scientific Names: Mesosphaerum suaveolens, Ballota suaveolens, Bystropogon graveolens, Bystropogon suaveolens, Gnoteris cordata, Gnoteris villosa, Hyptis congesta, Hyptis ebracteata, Hyptis ebracteata
GBIF Accepted Name: Mesosphaerum suaveolens