As a result of these characteristics, the plant rarely requires fertilizer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids. 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. Japanese catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil. However, as you might expect Catmints are also relatively easy to grow from seed. Her first book, Everything Elderberry, released in September 2020 and has been a #1 new release in holistic medicine, naturopathy, herb gardening, and other categories. Catmint uses also include the addition to fresh salads or cooked food. In fact, its a great herb to have in your kitchen. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Their rich flavor and texture make them versatile additions to recipes, either as a side. More about me and my green projects here. Calamint is dotted with masses of tiny flowers that attract butterflies from midsummer until frost. Will I start having stray cats in my yard if I decide to plant cat mint? } Nepeta Common name: Catmint These dependable perennials produce a profusion of usually lavender-blue flowers over a long season from late-spring to late-summer. If you have a lot of catmint, the best way to store it is by drying it. Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) . "Name": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities"}] In. Ideally, you should plant catmint in a sunny location, but it can also tolerate partial shade. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Just like lavender, catmint can be used to cover the bare "limbs" of rose bushes. }, If you want to make your own, heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Identifying catnip vs catmint is easy once you get familiar with the two plants. Pin to save this info on catnip vs catmint & health benefits of catnip for later! }, // ]]> Catmint is valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains. Before Chinese tea became popular in the U.K., the English would make tea from catmint. 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. Maintenance Notes: Prefers full sun and average, well-drained soil of low to average moisture. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The plant spreads rapidly by runners and can become invasive if not controlled. Catmint can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, and it is also sometimes used to make tea.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stuffsure_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) is a perennial herb in the mint family. However, if you are starting the plants off this early it may be necessary to apply additional heat either by bringing the seed tray inside your house or using a heated propagation tray. 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. Catmint is most often grown by seed or through division. Spacing. It is important to note that Catmint is an extremely tough plant so you can completely hack the top of the plant off and it will come back the following year. As for humans, the catmint plant is edible and has a history of human consumption over the years in counties like England and China. Fertilizing: Catmint does best with little or no supplemental fertilizer. Catmint could also help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. Catmint ( Nepeta mussinii ) is an aromatic perennial herb that is best known for its clusters of lavender blue flowers, often with subtle touches of the gorgeous violet color. Is catmint edible for humans? They grow dense foliage and will compete and also raise the humidity of the garden, which may lead to mildew or fungus. Author Robbin Small - Published 7-14-2022. Looking to save a little cash on your healthy living staples? Bloom occurs from late spring into fall, with the small tubular flowers attracting hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. 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. Blue catmint is an herbaceous perennial, ground cover native to Europe and in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Combine a dwarf variety in a container with creeping sedum, lantana and verbena. The Nepeta genus to which catmint belongs gets its name from the city of Nepete in Etruria. Your email address will not be published. Is catmint edible for humans? I dry a lot of it for tea as it's calming, helping ease stress, anxiety and insomnia - it's perfect for nighttime tea. It's also good for respiratory problems such as chest congestion or cold. (Like pine and spruce! 'Early Bird' Flowers/Leaves - March 28 - Wake Co., NC. Catmint is drought tolerant once the root system is established, needing little or no supplemental water. The answer is both yes and no. The seeds should be planted at a depth of around 0.5 inches (1 to 2 cm) into trays containing seed raising mix. "publisher": { Probably not. Rose-purple calyxes extend the color past peak bloom. Playing in an area with Catmint or eating small amounts of the plant will rarely cause a reaction. Location: In the Forest Territories, it was found at Snakerocks. Plants respond well to shearing to promote rebloom. Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. Edible Herbs Catmint If you have ever seen catmint with its bountiful green foliage and clusters of small purple flowers, you may have mistaken it for lavender at first glance. Some people or pets may have reactions to the oils on the foliage and may experience contact dermatitis. 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. Catnip is one of the more useful herbs for sleep you can grow yourself. I dont love the taste of fresh catnip on its own, though, so I usually combine it with lots of other herbs growing in my yard, including wild violets, yarrow, and lemon balm. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. Once the Catmint gets going you will find that the plant does is a good job of smoothing any competing weeds. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. At this stage, the plants will have typically reached a height of 4 inches or so. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The Nepeta grandiflora catmint species is the most widely known as it is frequently grown as an ornamental garden plant. N.C. The herb that is most often called catmint originated in the nursery of J.H. During this period it is important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. Catmint also has a diuretic effect, this induces sweating and increases urination frequency. 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. 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. According to Plan Your Patch, catmint is rarely consumed raw instead, it is typically steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. Required fields are marked *. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Catnip has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. The plant is characterized by its square stem, downy leaves, and lavender-colored flowers. Therefore, surround it with a border edging or use containers (bottomless if in garden). They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. Have you heard that there are medicinal benefits of catnip or is it catmint? Catmint prefers a location that gets at least 8 hours of sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Water well. The leaves of catmint can be used fresh or dried in teas, potpourris, sachets, and herbal pillows. container.appendChild(ins); 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. Catnip is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats arent the only ones who can enjoy catmint. . Catmint (nepeta faassenii or mussinii) is more ornamental with pretty purple flowers and has a bit of a cinnamony smell to its mint/catnip scent. 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. Will catmint attract cats? Those compounds include: Use catmint for treating or preventing these and other conditions: The most common application for catmint is as a tea that you make by steeping it by itself or in combination with other herbs to make a beverage. Noted for its neat and tidy habit, Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' (Catmint) is a compact herbaceous perennial forming a dense, rounded clump of small, aromatic, gray-green leaves all season long. Fortunately, if a dog does decide to eat a few leaves or flowers, it is not toxic. Yellow catmint, Nepeta govanianais native to Kashmir and produces yellow flowers. 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. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers. It also makes your garden more cat-friendly. This variety has a more upright habit than other catmints and is well worth considering for your garden. Catmints flavor and aroma are similar to those of pennyroyal. However, there are also some low-growing varieties that only reach a height of 1 ft (30 cm) and also a couple of varieties that reach 4 ft. The leaves can be added to salads, soups, or stews for flavor. Is it the same thing or a different plant cats enjoy? This type is most suitable for cat-friendly gardens. Order mixed annual combinations ready to plant in your containers. 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.. The herb is thought to have calming effects and can be brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps or stomach pain. Catnip itself is perfectly safe for cats, but there are certain situations to avoid. Set the plant in the hole with the base level with the soil. Additionally, I am a bit confused with the fact that catmint would be loved by cats, when it is actually catnip they love. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. Much like other herbal teas, catmint herbal tea can aid digestive problems such as upset stomachs, excessive gas, diarrhea, and nausea. Start, How to Make Vinegar from Scratch {Homemade Vinegar 2 Ways}, 35+ Best Spinach Companion Plants {Plus 2 to Avoid} . When flowers begin to fade, shear them off to encourage new growth and another wave of flowering. Catmint is a plant that is edible to humans, but it has some medical benefits. Additionally, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy. Editors note: This article was originally published in May 2019. It is sometimes used as a spice in cooking or as a tea. Catnip is also found to be highly attractive to cats, with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. Apparently catmint is also ok for human consumption and is used in cooking sometimes but I haven't read . Seller with a 100% positive feedback. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Purrsian Blue Catmint, 32119, Blue, Fast growing, dense foliage mound; reaches 14 to 18 in. Catmint has a clumping habit. Space each catmint plant at least 12" apart, but 18" is preferred. It can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the summer. The seeds or divisions of the catmint plant are planted in spring. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. Gardening. Flowers and leaves are both edible. Nepeta plants were brought to North America by the European colonists. Heres what it looks like in flower: If its sold at all, you might find the less attractive catnip plant with the culinary herbs. Your email address will not be published. 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