Pennyroyal  (Mentha pulegium)

This native species has experienced one of the worst declines of any UK plant. It was formerly recorded from throughout much of lowland England and Wales, but is now known only from a few sites, such as the New Forest in England, and the shores of Loch Beg in Northern Ireland (6). However, it seems to be increasing as an introduction, and has been widely recorded as such in southern Britain (6). It also occurs throughout much of Europe, where it is not threatened, but is known to be in decline in a number of countries (3). It has been introduced to North America (5).

Inhabits seasonally-flooded damp grasslands and is usually associated with the edges of temporary pools (2). The habitats supporting this species tend to have very short grass, and experience grazing or disturbance throughout the year (2). Examples of this habitat type are lowland village greens with traditional management, and the edges of unmetalled tracks (2). It is also occasionally introduced to sites such as roadsides and coal tips with grass seed from America (6).