Harmal Peganum

Peganum harmala

Native to:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Nitrariaceae
Genus:
Peganum
Species:
Peganum harmala
USDA Symbol:
PEHA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, cream

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from deep taproot after fire or disturbance; common in fire-prone arid regions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
7.0 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with warmth and moisture; light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. * delay pricking out seedlings

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society