Is Peganum harmala poisonous?
Yes, Peganum harmala contains toxic alkaloids and is considered poisonous to pets and humans if ingested. Handle with care.
Harmal Peganum (Peganum harmala)
Peganum harmala is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean and Asia, known for its medicinal properties and psychoactive alkaloids. It has a moderate growth rate.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Prefers full sun. Tolerates partial shade.
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce in winter.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential. Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Tolerant of poor, dry soils.
Temperature
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Care Requirements
Light
Prefers full sun. Tolerates partial shade.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce in winter.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential. Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Tolerant of poor, dry soils.
Temperature
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Medicinal
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
0.5-1 m
Spread
0.5-1 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Compound
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Harmala peganum Crantz
Peganon harmalum (L.) St.-Lag.
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderSapindales
- familyNitrariaceae
- genusPeganum
- speciesPeganum harmala
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
Yes
Rating: 7/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 7/5
Edible
No
Additional Care Tips
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or damaged stems at any time. Avoid heavy pruning.
Propagate by seeds sown in spring or by stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Seeds may require stratification.
Repot established plants infrequently, only when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. This plant prefers to be slightly root-bound.
FAQs
What are the common names for Peganum harmala?
Common names include Harmal, Syrian Rue, African Rue, and Wild Rue.
What is the ideal growing condition for Peganum harmala?
It prefers full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Can Peganum harmala be grown indoors?
While it can be grown indoors, it thrives best outdoors in full sun. Indoor cultivation may require supplemental lighting and careful monitoring of watering.
What is the medicinal use of Peganum harmala?
Traditionally, Peganum harmala has been used in various folk medicines for its psychoactive and purported therapeutic properties, though scientific validation varies and caution is advised due to toxicity.