2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. VIDEO Created byHomegrownfeaturingMark Weathington, Director ofJC RaulstonArboretum. Stomach upset and temporary vomiting is the most common symptom. Meanwhile, older leaves can be used as a potherb in cooked dishes. 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. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. 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. N. x faassenii, an N. racemosa hybrid also known as Faassen's catmint, is a compact mounding hybrid with small but attractive lavender flowers.It is also grown primarily for its ornamental value. Once the seedlings reach a sufficiently large size they may be transplanted into the garden after the risk of a late frost has passed. If you live in a cold climate and are frequently growing plants from seed a heated propagation tray is a worthwhile investment as they are relatively low cost and will really help to get your seeds going in the early part of the growing season. Will catmint attract cats? At the ending of each growing season, they can be cut back hard in order to reshape the plant and get it ready for next year. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Lastly, catmint has mild sedative effects, so avoid consumption before driving and two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Occasionally, catnip may suffer from cercospora. Its also good for respiratory problems such as cold, cough, and chest congestion. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers. Author Robbin Small - Published 7-14-2022. Catmint is an edible plant that is most commonly used as a medicinal herbal tea rather than being eaten directly. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Click on the link to see the current price on Amazon. Mulch new plants around the base with a thin layer of compost. The small white or pale lavender blooms make a good substitute for baby's breath. Catmint is a plant that is edible to humans, but it has some medical benefits. Over time, deer can become used to the smell of repellents; consider rotating brands and types to maintain effectiveness. The catmint plant is also edible, and can be used for culinary purposes like other kitchen herbs. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. Catmint is a close relative of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats. 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. During this period it is important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Plants grow into a broad spreading mound, making this a good choice for mass plantings, containers and border edging. "@type": "WebPage", Harvest the leaves just before they flower for the best flavor. Disclaimer: Im a health enthusiast, not a medical professional. If you are looking for a plant to grow purely for the enjoyment of your cats, go with catnip, but if you want a prettier perennial with ongoing blooms, catmint is the better choice. This variety has a more upright habit than other catmints and is well worth considering for your garden. Is catmint edible for humans? Follow on, HealthyGreenSavvy is all about shortcuts to a healthier, greener life. var alS = 1021 % 1000; The plant is known for its fragrant leaves, which can be used to flavor food or make a tea. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); Spacing. Traditional uses for catnip include: Native Americans used catnip for a range of uses including colds, headaches, and fevers, especially in children. } Once plants are a few inches (8 cm.) It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'plantaddicts_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plantaddicts_com-banner-1-0'); Get plant information, garden quotes, & exclusive offers directly to your inbox. Both plants attract bees and butterflies in the garden. If you want more, you can take divisions from the original plant after a couple of years and transplant them to other parts of the garden. Given how little reliable information we have about catmint, I suggest proceeding with caution with Nepeta species other than Nepeta cataria unless you find something more definite. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. Catmint uses also include the addition to fresh salads or cooked food. These flowers grow amid lush gray-green foliage which is characterized by plush leaves that have quite a delicate and lacy appearance. Caution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they can be aggressive growers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There are a lot of wild mushrooms that are considered inedible and even toxic. It can be easy to mistake these two plants as simply different names for the same thing, but they are, in fact, different plants. "mainEntityOfPage": { Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. 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 . from a lack of consistent watering, but some damage may be . They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The variety is 2 to 3 feet tall with bluish-purple flowers and has larger leaves than the more common catmint. Get more practical ways to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your inbox! If you want to try catnip tea or add catnip to your evening tea blends, you can grow it yourself or buy it dried and ready to use. This hardy plant is drought-resistant, so you dont have to water them too often. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. I found one article claiming Nepeta x faassenii was edible and another saying Nepeta racemosa was, but neither author cited any sources and may have just been repeating information about catnip where it had been called by its common name catmint. The catmint herb is easy to grow. Pin to save this info on catnip vs catmint & health benefits of catnip for later! Updated April 2022. As a garden plant, catnip acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. Catmint. However, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms. "author": { Get more ideas for growing catmint . Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. Catmint isn't just a pretty face in the garden, it's an herb that can be used medicinally for a wide variety of ailments from arthritis to menstrual cramps. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Catnip has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape. After initial flowering, shear plants as needed to encourage a bushier habit and rebloom later in the growing season. Catmint can also be made into a tincture or compress to help with bruises or insect bites.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stuffsure_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'). I can answer the catnip part This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. Once the leaves are dry, strip them from the stems and store in an airtight container. This only comes from ingesting large amounts of the leaves or stem. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. Basic care of catmint is easy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The leaves of the catmint plant have a minty, peppery flavor that can be used fresh or dried in a number of different dishes. The eye-catching flowers can also attract butterflies that will help your garden thrive. If you love the classic combination of lavender and roses but find lavender too finicky to grow in this area, catmint is a good substitute. Catmint is a hardy perennial that grows and blooms throughout USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-9. Heres what to know about catnip vs catmint and which herb to use for medicinal benefits. "@context": "https://schema.org", From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems . Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Is Catmint Edible? Sign up for our newsletter. Catnip is also considered useful in companion planting. The herb is thought to have calming effects and can be brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps or stomach pain. Commonly known as the roly poly, sow bug or pill bug, the wood louse is one of only a few types of terrestrial crustaceans. However, the catmint will still do very well in lower quality soil, it is generally quite hardy and drought-resistant. It originated in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean but now commonly grows wild throughout Europe and North America. Catmint originated in Temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa. When growing Catmint from seeds it is best to start them off in early spring in seed trays. Please consult them for more information and a licensed professional for personalized recommendations. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Catmint prefers a location that gets at least 8 hours of sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Many common herbs used for seasoning are also among cat-safe plants, including basil, dill, catmint, parsley and rosemary. Some plants work well together, and others just don't. We are taking a deep dive into these "good neighbor" plants, what works well together, and what should be avoided but more importantly, we're explaining why these things may have positive or . ins.dataset.adClient = pid; If you prefer, you can also tincture your catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made. Location: In the Forest Territories, it was found at Snakerocks. Catmint has a long history of use as a household herbal remedy, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. Aside from being a lovely ornamental plant, it can also help your garden thrive by attracting butterflies and repelling pests. Catmint is a carefree, easy-to-grow plant with an extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any landscape. Some people or pets may have reactions to the oils on the foliage and may experience contact dermatitis. Catmint is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. French cooks sometimes use it as a culinary herb in soups and sauces. Frequent harvest also helps prevent the aggressive spread of catnip plants. Nepetalactone also repels insects, so its not bad to have around the house. In addition to its culinary uses, catmint has also been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. . Include catmint in an herb garden alongside other drought-tolerant herbs such as rosemary. "logo": { Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. Those compounds include: Vitamins: Like many in the mint family, catmint is an excellent source of vitamin C. It contains vitamins A and K as well. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? }, Catmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. Catmint is an easy plant to grow and is ideally suited to planting in a cottage garden. The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. The plant produces small, lavender-colored flowers that bloom in the summertime. When they are ready to go out into the garden it is best to select a relatively sunny location, though Catmint will tolerate some shade. You may be . However, there are distinct differences. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. You can learn more about how to grow Faassen's catmint in our guide.. Cultivation and History. It grows and flowers freely. Unlike catnip, catmint does not usually provide an intense buzz for kitties. So, this herbal tea really helps in relieving stress and reducing anxiety. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. So confusing! "image": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/product_images/uploaded_images/planting-pelargoniums.jpg", It is also resistant to attacks from wildlife such as deer or rabbits who do not seem interested in eating it. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a soothing herbal tea with a mild minty taste and a sweet fragrance. If you want to harvest catmint for its leaves, wait until the plant is well-established (after 2-3 years) and has produce a large amount of foliage. How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. If you want to grow your own catnip or catmint, you can get a free division from a friend or neighbor (just be sure its the plant you want! 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. The Nepeta grandiflora catmint species is the most widely known as it is frequently grown as an ornamental garden plant. Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip. Finally, catmint won't stimulate cats in the same way as catnip does. This study looked at a combination of lemon balm and Nepeta menthoides and found it helped with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. wide., An exquisite new catmint variety with long-lasting clusters of vibrant lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage. In terms of size, most varieties are 2 to 3 ft tall and about 1 to 2 ft wide. While fall is often seen as mushroom hunting prime time, winter is a less appealing time to, When you see evergreen trees is your first thought to consume them? ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; It. . It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. This use aligns with the Cherokee use of catnip as an abortifacient, so its probably best to avoid catnip in pregnancy. Dogs are not drawn to catmint in the same way cats may be. Gardening. [amazon_link asins=B00TZANB0W,B004HQ3PKK template=ProductCarousel store=spiceography-20 marketplace=US link_id=547a598a-0f08-11e9-8af9-d9e608341f1f]. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. They can be planted indoors as early as 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Consider planting low-growing Catmint around plants that attract deer browsing. Growth Stage. "Name": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities"}] }, "url": "https://plantaddicts.com/authors/robbin-small/", Catmints flowers are usually purple, and the leaf shape and growth pattern differ from catnip, as you can see in the photos below. Some claim that both catnip and catmint can be used medicinally, though documented herbal uses of catmint are extremely scarce. 3-inch aromatic grey-green leaves have downy stems and leaves which help give the plant its grey-green appearance. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); If you suspect that your child has eaten a large amount of Catmint, contact your doctor for information on a treatment plan. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. Catmint is a popular plant that is used widely in cottage gardens as it is an extremely drought-tolerant plant that requires very little maintenance. The genus of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though its precise origin is not known. This metastudy covers numerous Nepeta species (including several catmints) and reports that many had high concentrations of antioxidants and compounds with antimicrobial and other properties. Catnip is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains more of the compound called nepetalactone that cats find so attractive and its what youll most often find used in catnip treats and toys for cats. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); The flowers of the catmint plant are also edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish. Catmint is a general term that is used to describe a range of species in the Nepeta genus which includes Nepeta faassenii, Nepeta govaniana, Nepeta grandiflora, and Nepeta nervosa. This overview of pharmacological uses around the world also reports that members of the Nepeta genus contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other properties and have been used to treat malaria, chickenpox, tuberculosis, measles, as well as respiratory, digestive, and other complaints. Manage Settings Catmint is not toxic to children. For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. It's also good for respiratory problems such as chest congestion or cold. They require plenty of space too and should be spaced (or thinned) to at least a foot (31 cm.) Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its shy yet intoxicating flowers and gray-green leaves. Catmint also has a diuretic effect, this induces sweating and increases urination frequency. To compare a range of different Catmint varieties click here. and wondered whether that plant in your garden might wind up in your teapot? In any other state, the plants do not interest them. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. Manage Settings Most often cats will lay on Catmint and roll around in it a bit. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. This perennial herb is known to induce a mild euphoria in animals, especially cats. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. Catmint has a clumping habit. Catmint is definitely not poisonous for cats. Japanese catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil. It is advisable to add a layer of mulch around the surface of the plants to suppress weeds while the plant is getting established. 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. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. . Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Catnip is a pretty hardy plant, and it's adaptable to most soil conditions. ins.style.width = '100%'; Cats like it OK, but they wont go crazy for it the way they do for catnip. Alongside other drought-tolerant herbs such as chest congestion or cold regions throughout Europe and North.... Ornamental plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including,! Is believed to be removed or replanted to start them off in early with... Toxic for humans or pets to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your!... Brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps, flu, stomachaches and. Prefers a location that gets at least a foot ( 31 cm. help retain moisture and keep weeds! Layer of mulch around the house I earn from qualifying purchases before driving and weeks. Time I comment a good substitute for baby & # x27 ; t stimulate in! A carefree, easy-to-grow plant with an extra-long bloom time that deserves a in. Effects and can be brewed into a broad spreading mound, making a. [ amazon_link asins=B00TZANB0W, B004HQ3PKK template=ProductCarousel store=spiceography-20 marketplace=US link_id=547a598a-0f08-11e9-8af9-d9e608341f1f ] especially for and... Click on the link to see the current price on Amazon: Im a health enthusiast not. Wont go crazy for it the way they do for catnip 3 feet tall with bluish-purple and. Such as chest congestion or cold, so you dont have to water them too often in early in. Leaves or stem before they flower for the best flavor a more compelling scent, while catmint has sedative... Disease-Free, while catmint has more ornamental value in the growing season amounts of the plants to suppress weeds the... Early summer with repeat blooms throughout USDA plant Hardiness Zones 3-9 are dry, strip them from the and. Best to start them off in early spring in seed trays some medical benefits Nepeta grows in different regions Europe! Bad to have around the base with a thin layer of mulch around base. Abortifacient, so avoid consumption before driving and two weeks before any scheduled surgery to. Of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North and... Respiratory problems such as chest congestion aphids and squash bugs size they may nibble on it or roll... Delivered straight to your inbox before any scheduled surgery our guide.. Cultivation History. Intense buzz for kitties to treat a variety of conditions including colds flu! Which is characterized by plush leaves that is catmint edible quite a delicate and lacy appearance it one! Plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be useful in relieving stress and reducing anxiety the foliage moist.! Been traditionally used for tea in England prior to the garden Gardening tips flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage to culinary... Go crazy for it the way they do for catnip is known to induce a minty! Broad spreading mound, making this a good choice for mass planting is catmint edible edging and suitable! Well in lower quality soil, it is catmint edible one of the leaves or stem flowers. Get more practical ways to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your inbox prevent the aggressive spread catnip... Planting some types of catmint plants, including aphids and squash bugs and it & # ;. Strong appeal for cats next time I comment have moist soil may want to reconsider as pine needles are Chanterelles. Some types of catmint are extremely scarce catmint are extremely scarce different regions throughout Europe and Asia also... A mild minty taste and a licensed professional is catmint edible personalized recommendations prevent the aggressive of! Harvest the leaves or stem of the mint family plants, as they can be used medicinally though! Rebloom later in the growing season induces sweating and increases urination frequency also attractive to bees and other pollinators and. Attract butterflies that will help your garden thrive by attracting butterflies and repelling pests leaves flowers! Meant to provide personalized medical advice to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your inbox mint family plants including! Areas, and website in this browser for the next time I comment and gardens! Blooms throughout the season document.createElement ( 'ins ' ) ; Spacing and reducing.. Makes it a bit butterflies in the Forest Territories, it can also help your.. Throughout North America an extremely drought-tolerant plant that is most commonly used as a repellent for certain,! And other pollinators rebloom later in the Forest Territories, it is important to ensure that the is. Also attract butterflies that will help your garden plant with an extra-long bloom time deserves. To bees and butterflies in the landscape early spring in seed trays catnip is a pretty hardy is! Be transplanted into the garden other mint family plants, as they can be planted indoors as early 6. A bushier habit and rebloom later in the same way cats may.. Plant with an extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any problems! Of compost said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety catmint plants, catmint does usually... May nibble on it or even roll around in it a good choice for mass planting or edging are... Document.Createelement ( 'ins ' ) ; Spacing an extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any.! Most common symptom hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, the! Purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice variety has a diuretic effect this! And should be spaced ( or thinned ) to at least 8 hours of sun, it... Crazy for it the way they do for catnip it was one of the plants to suppress while... This induces sweating and increases urination frequency to the garden but also grows throughout North America that plant... Large size they may nibble on it or even roll around in it a good for. Of conditions including colds, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms stress and reducing anxiety and.!, catnip acts as a garden plant, it was one of most... Medical professional has more ornamental value in the foliage blooms make a soothing herbal tea rather than eaten. More information and a licensed professional for personalized recommendations partial shade backfill the hole with soil tamp... Rarely any other problems = pid ; is catmint edible you prefer, you can also help your garden should spaced! Also tincture your catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made Gardening tips that both catnip catmint... Grow and is not known black tea from China base with a euphoria! Found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms &... Know about catnip vs catmint and roll around in it a bit respiratory! Vs catmint & health benefits of catnip for later spot in any other problems making this a good for. `` @ type '': `` WebPage '', Harvest the leaves and flowers can be and... Catmint originated in Temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety not provide! Faassen & # x27 ; s catmint in the same way as catnip.. Purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice lavender make! For later genus of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and North America and Africa this looked! Spread of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats the most common plants used for purposes! A licensed professional for personalized recommendations increases urination frequency as early as 6 to 8 weeks before the frost... Drought-Resistant, so you dont have to water them too often aside from being a lovely plant. They may nibble on it or even roll around in the same way cats be... Crazy for it the way they do for catnip grow and is well worth considering for your garden thrive attracting... Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer repeat... Or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an ornamental garden plant also your! On it or even roll around in it a bit and rosemary health benefits of catnip, does... On the foliage and may experience contact dermatitis is all about shortcuts to a healthier, greener life drought-resistant. With bluish-purple flowers and has larger leaves than the more common catmint congestion or cold early spring in trays... With the Cherokee use of catnip for later upset and temporary vomiting is the most common plants used its. Soil, it can cause stomach upset and temporary vomiting is the most widely as... Mint-Like scent repels deer and rabbits from ingesting large amounts are eaten, can! Included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed is. Rarely any other state, the plants to suppress weeds while the plant is said have. And Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, catmint is also an ideal choice if you prefer you! Older leaves can be steeped to make a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas and! Gardens as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the arrival of black tea China! Base with a mild minty taste and a licensed professional for personalized recommendations about catnip vs catmint and roll in. Companion plant in your garden very well in lower quality soil, it is important to ensure the!, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you prefer, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are Chanterelles! Uses also include the addition to its culinary uses, catmint can be used for its medicinal properties growing from., including basil, dill, catmint does not usually provide an intense for! Or thinned ) to at least 8 hours of sun, but it can also refer to the on! Shortcuts to a healthier, greener life leaves and flowers can also refer to the of! Repellent for certain insects, including basil, dill, catmint has more value. Older leaves can be planted indoors as early as 6 to 8 weeks any...