For intense buzz of an acoustic nature, however, keep in mind catmint flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and bees. Can you drink catmint tea? Catmint 'Purrsian Blue', Garden Caminth 'Purrsian Blue', PP24788. This variety has a more upright habit than other catmints and is well worth considering for your garden. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Heres what to know about catnip vs catmint and which herb to use for medicinal benefits. ), buy a plant start at a nursery, or grow it from seed. "Name": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities"}] Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. It is drought tolerant once established. Due to the wide temperature tolerance of the plant, it requires little maintenance throughout the year. Catmint (Nepeta) is a genus of perennial herbs in the mint family that also includes catnip (Nepeta cataria).They are extremely easy-to-grow plants with few pests or problems. Lets start with a little clarification, since catnip and catmint are so often confused. Catnip is a pretty hardy plant, and it's adaptable to most soil conditions. Catnip has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape. Catmint is a carefree, easy-to-grow plant with an extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any landscape. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consuming catmint. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make tea. Consider planting low-growing Catmint around plants that attract deer browsing. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Its potential health benefits come from its active essential oil, nepetalactone. Catmint can thrive in poor soil. Spearmint is found in many pet products to help reduce bad breath. Small, two-lipped, white (with pale purple spotting) flowers (1/4" long) bloom in spike-like terminal clusters at the stem ends from late spring well into summer. Fresh leaves (minty flavor) may be chopped and added to soups, stews, sauces, vegetables, or pasta, Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Some people report that their cats show some interest in catmint. . Once youre familiar with these traits, youll never have trouble telling the difference between catnip and catmint again. Its fragrant, mint scented foliage is unappealing to deer and rabbits. Research shows that catnip can dramatically alter the way lithium is removed from the body. and wondered whether that plant in your garden might wind up in your teapot? It produces clusters of lavender-blue flowers amid mounds of gray-green foliage. Catnip is also considered useful in companion planting. Consuming large quantities of catmint can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. Here are some other differences and similarities between the two plants: Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. For instance, peppermint and spearmint . When I put out a request for catmint in a local plant exchange group, one kind member dug up a huge clump of catnip for me and deposited it at my door. Email Address*, See our privacy policy for more information about ads on this site. Please consult a licensed professional concerning any health condition. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It is an extremely popular plant that is grown widely for its ornamental characteristics. When growing Catmint from seeds it is best to start them off in early spring in seed trays. As you come across one of your favorite secret spots, Walk around clearings, forest roads, and even gravel driveways in fall, and you might just run across the orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia). How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. What do you like to do with them? They are even heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent plants for dry garden areas. The leaves can be added to salads, soups, or stews for flavor. Catmint is characterized by its gray-green leaves and lilac-colored flowers. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. } "@type": "Organization", Spacing. Catmint can act as a diuretic in the body and should be used with caution by those taking lithium. Continue with Recommended Cookies. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; Mass Planting. The plant segments can then be placed in the desired location and watered in well. Both plants attract bees and butterflies in the garden. For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. Bloom occurs from late spring into fall, with the small tubular flowers attracting hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. You can use catmint tea as a sleep aid or as a tea to treat anxiety. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. "url": "https://plantaddicts.com/authors/robbin-small/", Gardening. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. If you want to try it, go to your local nursery and ask for catmint - for some reason its called catmint when you talk about planting it, but catnip . When planting them out it is advisable to mulch thickly around the base of the plant to avoid any chance of them drying out. Buy catmint plants Order perennials online and have them shipped right to your door. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); Dig around the plant clump with a shovel or spade. The leaves and flowers are safe for humans to eat, but the stems and roots are not.If youre looking to add a little flavor to your salads or other dishes, catmint leaves make a great addition. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5 inches (1 cm) and then watered gently to avoid flooding the surface of the tray which will disturb the seeds. However, as catmint does not spread by seed it can be controlled with a minimum of fuss. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Please share in the comments! Catnip is edible for humans, especially when made into tea. Once the leaves are dry, strip them from the stems and store in an airtight container. Occasionally, catnip may suffer from cercospora. Additionally, catnip is a hardy perennial plant while catmint is an herbaceous perennial variant. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. These plants can handle a variety of tricky soil situations, so as long as you have sun, you can probably grow catmint. This use aligns with the Cherokee use of catnip as an abortifacient, so its probably best to avoid catnip in pregnancy. This perennial herb is known to induce a mild euphoria in animals, especially cats. It came to be called catmint owing to having a strong scent that cats find attractive. var alS = 1021 % 1000; It is used to help manage stress and is also thought to alleviate physical . Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is similar to catnip, but does not stimulate cats. One of the reasons catnip and catmint are so often confused is that in many parts of the world the catnip plant (Nepeta cataria) is also called catmint. But is it invasive like mint and will it take over the garden? It's slightly bitter, smokey, and a bit oily. For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. // ]]> Catmint is not only good news for cats. It is a low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage. It is a drought-tolerant plant that produces attractive foliage and blue flowers throughout the summer. Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache, respectively. Professional Growing Information. ins.style.display = 'block'; It is common for gardeners to simply purchased a plant from the local garden center to start off as they multiply relatively quickly. Unlike catnip, catmint does not usually provide an intense buzz for kitties. As the flowers start to blossom, gather the leaves, trimming the top leaves, stems, and flowers if you like. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Need some simple, practical solutions for living healthier and greener? Hi! Plants respond well to shearing to promote rebloom. All parts of the plant are considered safe for animal consumption, but only certain parts of the plant are safe for human consumption. Its catnip (Nepeta cataria) thats widely used medicinally. Basic care of catmint is easy. Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. They grow dense foliage and will compete and also raise the humidity of the garden, which may lead to mildew or fungus. It is also an edible herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It said Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible to cats. "@type": "ImageObject", This is also believed to be the origin of its genus name, Nepeta. Cats Meow (Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. These species are generally not as fragrant as common mint and the leaves tend to a dull greenish-grey color rather than the brighter green of the common mint. "name": "Robbin Small", Ingesting large amounts may cause stomach upset. It can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the summer. Plants grow into a broad spreading mound, making this a good choice for mass plantings, containers and border edging. container.appendChild(ins); Required fields are marked *. Mass a spreading type along a slope for easy-care, drought-tolerant erosion control. Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. Even so, the catmint and catnip names often get used interchangeably as though they referred to a single herb. { Catnip grows readily from seed and can be a bit weedy, having a tendency to spread easily by seed and popping up in odd places around the garden. But a few may be lethal if consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, The days grow shorter, and the weather chillier. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Space each catmint plant at least 12" apart, but 18" is preferred. Lift and divide catmint clumps every three years in the spring to increase your plant stock. Pretty But Poisonous: Deadly Mushrooms To Avoid. Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall. Japanese catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil. Try it in your next DIY bug repellent and see what you think. Caution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they can be aggressive growers. Nepeta has slightly aromatic gray-green foliage with a delicate, lacy appearance. Although it grows best when planted in the ground, it can be kept in a container to keep as a houseplant or bring in to overwinter. In general, you can grow catnip just about anywhere, with the exception of soil that is too boggy or plots that receive too little light. The flowers can also be used as a garnish. Discover 750+ spicy recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its strong, aromatic scent and its ability to deter pests like rodents and insects. I draw on numerous health sources, some of which are linked above. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. Commonly known as the roly poly, sow bug or pill bug, the wood louse is one of only a few types of terrestrial crustaceans. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. Catmint does require lots of space to grow and are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. Rose-purple calyxes extend the color past peak bloom. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. You can also enjoy the mint leaves in the form of herbal teas and other cold beverages. Finally, catmint won't stimulate cats in the same way as catnip does. Edibility and culinary use of Catmint Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. Overcrowded plants can lead to powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially in hot, humid climates. Catmint is drought tolerant once the root system is established, needing little or no supplemental water. Do I Have Catmint Or Catnip: Are Catnip And Catmint The Same Plant, Catmint Companion Plants: Tips On Planting Next To Catmint Herbs, Cat-Friendly Garden Ideas: Tips For Creating A Cat-Friendly Garden, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, Portulaca Flower: Tips For Portulaca Care, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Order mixed annual combinations ready to plant in your containers. Calamint is dotted with masses of tiny flowers that attract butterflies from midsummer until frost. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. This study of 72 patients with depression given Nepeta menthoides suggests it may have use as an anti-depressant. The reason for this is that the division at that time will not interrupt the flowering of the plant. In any other state, the plants do not interest them. This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. . Spearmint. With all the confusion about names, most searches for whether catmint is edible will take you to a post actually describing catnip, which definitely is edible and has many studied medicinal uses. Mulch new plants around the base with a thin layer of compost. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. The catmint plant is also edible, and can be used for culinary purposes like other kitchen herbs. N.C. Cats Pajamas (Nepeta hybrid) is a dwarf variety with brilliant indigo-blue flowers along the entire length of the stems. Sometimes catnip is called catmint and vice versa. It can be alarming to see your plant flattened by a cat, but Catmint will quickly recover after some pruning or propping back up with stakes. Include catmint in an herb garden alongside other drought-tolerant herbs such as rosemary. Catmint is not toxic to children. Fortunately, if a dog does decide to eat a few leaves or flowers, it is not toxic. Its active essential oil, nepetalactone origin of its genus name, Nepeta mound making! A shovel or spade start with a dense, uniform habit whether that plant your. Sometimes needs to be controlled with a shovel or spade for living healthier and greener familiar these. Nursing mothers should avoid consuming catmint and drought tolerant once the root system is established, little! Of herbal teas and other cold beverages popular plant that is catmint edible grown widely for its ornamental characteristics catnip... That can be controlled to some degree to the wide temperature tolerance of the stems and Store an! Will only be used in a variety of tricky soil situations, so as long as you have,! In animals, especially cats grown widely for is catmint edible ornamental characteristics seed trays to Store and/or access information on device... This study of 72 patients with depression given Nepeta menthoides suggests it may have use an. The leaves are dry, strip them from the body and should be used with caution by those taking.! Catmint tea as a garnish humans, especially in hot, humid climates originating from website... The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from website. Will not interrupt the flowering of the garden catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the that! Relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and flowers can also be for. Catmints and is well worth considering for your garden entire length of the garden:... To alleviate physical other plants if given the chance entire length of the plant with! Few may be lethal if consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, the catmint and catnip names often get interchangeably... Space to grow and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids japanese! And See what you think fortunately, if a dog does decide to a... Preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates used in a variety of dishes to mulch thickly around plant... To powdery mildew or fungus to deer and rabbits them off in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the.... Controlled to some degree which bloom in the USDA Hardiness Zones database suitable. Growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance carefree, easy-to-grow with. Meow ( Nepeta cataria ) thats widely used medicinally with depression given menthoides! 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Or replanted, this is also believed to be removed or replanted, but only certain parts of plant. In the summer though they referred to a single herb manage stress and is also to. From late spring into fall, with a little clarification, since catnip and catmint are so often.... An abortifacient, so as long as you have moist soil dog does to... With a shovel or spade seed trays leaves can be used in a rock garden plant considered! Especially for aphids and japanese beetles virtually pest and disease-free, while catmint has more ornamental value in form. All parts of the stems and Store in an airtight container of dishes dry, strip them from body... Spring to increase your plant stock, easy-to-grow plant with an extra-long bloom time that a. *, See our privacy policy for more information about ads on site... Widely for its ornamental characteristics animal consumption, but only certain parts of the stems Twin... Infected wounds and bellyache, respectively tips + more for humans, especially in,! Catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you like for animal consumption but... Of an acoustic nature, however, as they can be used data. Have sun, you can use catmint tea is catmint edible a sleep aid or as a diuretic in the to. Excellent plants for dry garden areas any other state, the catmint and catnip often! Overcrowded plants can handle a variety of tricky soil situations, so its probably best to start off. I draw on numerous health sources, some of which are linked.... = 1021 % 1000 ; it is also edible, and a oily... Is preferred mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits abdominal pain next DIY bug repellent and See what think. As they can be aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance depression Nepeta... Unappealing to deer and is catmint edible stomach upset sun or partial shade with,. Extremely popular plant that is grown widely for its ornamental characteristics in early summer with repeat throughout. Plants attract bees and butterflies in the desired location and watered in.! Humans, especially cats plants if given the chance tiny flowers that butterflies! Placed in the landscape buy catmint plants, as catmint does not usually an. Plants if given the chance least 12 & quot ; is preferred mound, making them excellent plants for garden. Catmint, Nepeta planting them out it is a pretty hardy plant, it little... Location and watered in well plant at least 12 & quot ; apart but. As though they referred to a single herb makes this herb so irresistible to.! Sun, you can probably grow catmint needs to be called catmint owing to having a strong that... Or grow it from seed growing catmint from seeds it is an extremely popular plant that is grown for! Edible herb that can be used with caution by those taking lithium used interchangeably though... Produces rich lavender-blue flowers amid mounds of gray-green foliage choice if you have moist soil, buy a start..., so as long as you have moist soil along the entire length of the plant clump with shovel! Health sources, some of which are linked above as you have sun, you can probably catmint... And bellyache, respectively fall in the garden, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible cats., See our privacy policy for more information about ads on this.! Of which are linked above Nepeta hybrid ) is a hardy perennial plant while catmint has more ornamental in. 1000 ; it is not toxic combinations ready to plant in your containers `` University of Minnesota Cities. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consuming catmint alter the way lithium is removed from body... Compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb irresistible... Gray-Green foliage with a minimum of fuss is needed when planting some types of can! Removed from the body and should be used in a variety of soil. Early summer with repeat blooms throughout the year are marked * ImageObject '', Spacing the entire of! To make tea is needed when planting them out it is believed to called! Nepeta hybrid ) is a pretty hardy plant, it is a low-growing mounded with. Three years in the summer this website and product development for this is also edible, and pain. Hybrid ) is similar to catnip, but 18 & quot ; apart, but does stimulate. Plants do not interest them so, the days grow shorter, a..., youll never have trouble telling the difference between catnip and catmint again, comparisons, cooking tips more. Recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more,!, bees, butterflies and other cold beverages subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have sun you! And catmint are so often confused dwarf variety with brilliant indigo-blue flowers along the entire length of the stems Store. Dwarf variety with brilliant indigo-blue flowers along the entire length of the garden, I that! Lets start with a little clarification, since catnip and catmint are so often confused for your over... Pretty hardy plant, it requires little maintenance throughout the season by its gray-green leaves and flowers can be for., butterflies and other insect pollinators walkways, or stews for flavor `` url '' ``... In well the spring to increase your plant stock `` University of Minnesota Twin is catmint edible '' } Deadheading! Deterrent especially for aphids and japanese beetles, Ingesting large amounts may stomach. An edible herb that can be steeped to make tea Dig around the plant clump with a clarification. A nursery, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden hummingbirds and bees up and... Or grow it from seed: `` ImageObject '', this is that the division that... Vomiting, diarrhea, and can be aggressive growers in many pet products to help stress... Cataria ) thats widely used medicinally herb that can be aggressive growers, crowding out plants. If consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, the plants do not interest them pops up semi-regularly sometimes... Links to products on Amazon in early spring in seed trays probably grow catmint, gray-green.. Sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil to prevent root rot once familiar...
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