Also known as American Mint · Bush Mint · Horehound
Pignut, Mesosphaerum suaveolens, is an aromatic, low-growing shrub native to the southeastern United States, often found in sandy soils and pine flatwoods.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Good drainage is essential.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Light
25% intensity
Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer during growing season only.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Mesosphaerum suaveolens regularly, especially during its active growth period. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which this plant dislikes.
Prune Mesosphaerum suaveolens to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming.
Light pruning can be done anytime, but heavier pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagate Mesosphaerum suaveolens from seed, which germinates readily under warm conditions. Cuttings can also be taken in spring or early summer and rooted in a well-draining medium.
Softwood cuttings are most successful.
Repot Mesosphaerum suaveolens every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repotting is best done in spring before the start of the active growing season.
Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pignut (Mesosphaerum suaveolens)
Where Pignut (Mesosphaerum suaveolens) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Mesosphaerum |
| Species | Mesosphaerum suaveolens |
Similar in genus Mesosphaerum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
