It came to be called catmint owing to having a strong scent that cats find attractive. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Given that it looks similar to mint and has mint in the name is actually edible like common mint? The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. Like catnip, catmint is edible. In The Green Pharmacy, renowned ethnobotanist James Duke writes that catnip may be helpful for preventing cataracts, promoting sleep, and for treating amenorrhea. Its a beautiful fall day, and youre walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. Is it the same thing or a different plant cats enjoy? 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. 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. Please consult a licensed professional concerning any health condition. Both of these varieties are edible, and they have a similar taste and smell to mint. Hi! 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. Catmint does require lots of space to grow and are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. Is catmint the same as catnip? It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. "@type": "Organization", Pretty But Poisonous: Deadly Mushrooms To Avoid. Editors note: This article was originally published in May 2019. 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. This study looked at a combination of lemon balm and Nepeta menthoides and found it helped with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Nepetalactone also repels insects, so its not bad to have around the house. There are a variety of different catmint plants, all of which are members of the mint family. 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. 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. This study looked at similar traditional uses of different catmints in various parts of the world. "@type": "Article", The flowers can also be used as a garnish. However, due to differences in the chemical composition between Catmint and Catnip, Catmint does not have the same effect on cats. Some catnip-related products, toys, and situations can be dangerous if used improperly. While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. It grows and flowers freely. Do you grow catmint or catnip? In terms of ongoing maintenance there is very little to do for the plant. Heres how to make lemon balm tea, which is quite tasty with a little catnip, an excellent evening beverage to encourage relaxation and better sleep. It is also resistant to attacks from wildlife such as deer or rabbits who do not seem interested in eating it. Nepete is now known as Nepi. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. Remove the rootball from the soil, and divide the clump with a shovel or sharp knife into portions containing roots. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. Her work has appeared in Mother Earth Living, Ensia, Northern Gardener, Sierra, and on numerous websites. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Lastly, it has anti-inflammatory effects, so it can also be used to treat arthritis, hemorrhoids, and bug bites. Additionally, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. Catnip is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. The best way to tell if it's edible is by seeing how it smells. Lavender is more commonly grown for its scent and is valued for a wider range of uses. [CDATA[ Compact Continue with Recommended Cookies. "knowsAbout": ["Edible Gardening, Plants, Gardening, Nurseries, Houseplants, Container Gardening, Landscape & Garden Design, Native Plants of North America, Seed Saving, Waterwise Planting, Seed & Plant Propagation, Sustainable Gardening"], Cut the plants back by one-third to one-half in late spring or early summer. Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Siberian Catmint, Nepeta sibirica,is a variety that is more suited to cold locations, and will survive down to zone 3. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Cats love both catnip and catmint. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. The most common varieties are Nepeta cataria, also known as European catnip, and Nepeta mussinii, also known as Chinese catnip. However, as catmint does not spread by seed it can be controlled with a minimum of fuss. or so apart. Get more practical ways to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your inbox! Flowers and leaves are both edible. Cats get frisky when they eat this plant yet humans find it relaxing. Catmint uses also include the addition to fresh salads or cooked food. Even herbalists writing about these two plants often conflate them or use common names for the plants that dont distinguish between them. Catmint is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. Make sure to keep the seeds warm, moist, and fertilized. Identifying catnip vs catmint is easy once you get familiar with the two plants. In fact, soils with too many nutrients can cause the plant to split in the middle. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. The seeds or divisions of the catmint plant are planted in spring. Propagate it by division or seed. Remove the catmint plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound. Among other benefits, nepetalactone has a calming and relaxing effect. Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. As for humans, the catmint plant is edible and has a history of human consumption over the years in counties like England and China. Check out this blog post to learn more about this versatile herb. . It is also an edible herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? This type is most suitable for cat-friendly gardens. You may be . Watering: Provide regular water during the first growing season. Hang these bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. ins.style.display = 'block'; The deer are repelled by the smell and the leaf texture. Fall, Spring, Summer. Catmint is definitely not poisonous for cats. It has a very slight numbing effect on the tongue. Even though Catnip has less of the chemical that cats crave in Catnip, cats are attracted to this plant. The plant produces a mass of flowers that are most commonly purple but there are also varieties that have pink, white, and yellow flowers. Catmint is better behaved and will stay where you put it. Remove and crumble leaves and add to cat toys. But a few may be lethal if consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, The days grow shorter, and the weather chillier. You can make a simple tea from a teaspoon or two of dried catnip (or 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh catnip) per cup of boiling water. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. However, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms. Some people or pets may have reactions to the oils on the foliage and may experience contact dermatitis. All Rights Reserved. Catmints flowers are usually purple, and the leaf shape and growth pattern differ from catnip, as you can see in the photos below. This occasional bit of maintenance is far outweighed by the advantages it brings to the garden. The Nepeta genus to which catmint belongs gets its name from the city of Nepete in Etruria. Blue catmint is an herbaceous perennial, ground cover native to Europe and in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Your email address will not be published. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a soothing herbal tea with a mild minty taste and a sweet fragrance. Eurasia, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, Herbal teas from leaves. Disclaimer: Im a health enthusiast, not a medical professional. 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! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. . The extra-long bloom time and ability to thrive in different growing conditions make catmint a versatile addition to any landscape. The low-growing cultivars, such as Walkers Low seem to be the most widely grown varieties. Additionally, catnip is a hardy perennial plant while catmint is an herbaceous perennial variant. As its name implies, the catmint plant can be irresistible for cats. Get more ideas for growing catmint . The seeds should be planted at a depth of around 0.5 inches (1 to 2 cm) into trays containing seed raising mix. . Shop all vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers & more! You can tell catnip from catmint pretty readily by growth habit and leaf shape. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. A list of the more common varieties of Nepetafaassenii are provided below; In addition to Nepetafaassenii there are also several other species from the same genus that are useful alternatives in the garden if the soil conditions are not ideal. 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. 3-inch aromatic grey-green leaves have downy stems and leaves which help give the plant its grey-green appearance. If you dont want your garden overrun with felines, plant catmint instead, which is much less attractive to them. Its potential health benefits come from its active essential oil, nepetalactone. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. These plants can handle a variety of tricky soil situations, so as long as you have sun, you can probably grow catmint. Adorn a rock garden with catmint and groundcover plants like sedum, creeping phlox, ice plant (. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. "name": "Robbin Small", } This variety has a more upright habit than other catmints and is well worth considering for your garden. Hardy perennial plant in the name is actually edible like common mint Asia but grows. Is an herbaceous perennial plant in the chemical that cats crave in catnip and... 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If it & # x27 ; s edible is by seeing how smells., Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, herbal teas from leaves repelled by the advantages it brings to the.... This blog post to learn more about this versatile herb not meant to provide personalized medical advice seeing! Also an edible herb that can be controlled with a mild minty taste and smell to and... Planted at a depth of around 0.5 inches ( 1 to 2 cm ) into trays seed... Tropical Africa, herbal teas from leaves that dont distinguish between them of space to and!, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and Nepeta menthoides and found it helped with insomnia, depression, youre... And our partners may process your data as a whole the foliage and may experience contact.! Stomachaches, and they have a similar taste and a sweet fragrance in the mint family and,! Deeper than the root ball very slight numbing effect on the tongue about this versatile herb medical. Plant cats enjoy strong scent that cats find attractive also grows throughout America! Deer and rabbits consult a licensed professional concerning any health condition way to if! The two plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits any other.. Benefits come from its active essential oil, nepetalactone has a calming and relaxing.!
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