It said Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible to cats. } Find out more and grab your copy here. 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. Watering: Provide regular water during the first growing season. In fact, soils with too many nutrients can cause the plant to split in the middle. More about me and my green projects here. Its catnip (Nepeta cataria) thats widely used medicinally. You also dont need to bother with fertilizer too much, just once or twice a year will do. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. "@type": "Organization", Both are totally fine for cats in moderation, but cats are usually more attracted to catnip. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. The leaves of the catmint plant have a minty, peppery flavor that can be used fresh or dried in a number of different dishes. Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache, respectively. Fall, Spring, Summer. C and vitamins A and K. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Additional catnip vs catmint photo credits: w-ings, ikuyan. Perhaps its higher concentration of cat-attracting nepetalactone also explains catnips medicinal benefits for humans. Please consult a licensed professional concerning any health condition. If you have a lot of catmint, the best way to store it is by drying it. Dogs are not drawn to catmint in the same way cats may be. It is a sterile hybrid plant, the result of a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. "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"], Get more practical ways to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your inbox! However, as catmint does not spread by seed it can be controlled with a minimum of fuss. Nepeta plants were brought to North America by the European colonists. A nursery in England would eventually offer it for sale in the late 1980s. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. Catnip is also considered useful in companion planting. "@context": "https://schema.org", Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! If something were to happen to your furry friend, and you suspect that they are suffering from Catmint poisoning, there is a poison control hotline to call for 24/7 vet advice. For intense buzz of an acoustic nature, however, keep in mind catmint flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and bees. Catmint. It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. Their rich flavor and texture make them versatile additions to recipes, either as a side. Scientifically speaking, catnip tastes like ass. According to Plan Your Patch, catmint is rarely consumed raw instead, it is typically steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; Ingesting large amounts may cause stomach upset. Like catnip, catmint is edible. Heres what it looks like in flower: If its sold at all, you might find the less attractive catnip plant with the culinary herbs. Catmint is easy to propagate by division. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. So confusing! Please share in the comments! You can also enjoy the mint leaves in the form of herbal teas and other cold beverages. 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. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. Thanks for the article. The damage is typically superficial unless you get a bad infestation, although the insects are capable of spreading plant pathogens. Catmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. 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. Growth Stage. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. . It is advisable to add a layer of mulch around the surface of the plants to suppress weeds while the plant is getting established. If you prefer, you can also tincture your catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made. After they are well-established, they can be transplanted into your garden after the last danger of frost has passed. The division can be done at any stage of the year, however, I generally recommend doing it in late Autumn or even winter dependent upon the climate you live in. (Like pine and spruce! Need some simple, practical solutions for living healthier and greener? var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Catmint is valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains. They can also be candied or used to make herbal tea. Spacing. This use aligns with the Cherokee use of catnip as an abortifacient, so its probably best to avoid catnip in pregnancy. When to plant catmint?Plant catmint in the garden during the cooler months of spring or fall after all danger of frost is past. 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. Featured Image: Catmint spires photo by DoF CC-BY-X on Wikimedia Commons, Leave your email address so you don't miss any of our wild edibles info! In fact, its a great herb to have in your kitchen. Shop all vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers & more! Usage: Chewed to extract the juice of the leaves or the root. Some also refer to the Nepeta genus as either catnips or catmints. Catmint is part of the mint family and has a light fragrance that wafts when the foliage is brushed or heated in the summer sun. Yes, catmint is edible! If you want to keep your catnip under control, cut flowers off and use or dry them before they have a chance to set seed. In terms of soil conditions, the plant will tolerate a wide range of different soils but ideally, they prefer rich moist soil that are well-drained. Catmint is a plant that is edible to humans, but it has some medical benefits. Catmint should be avoided by pregnant women and those with pelvic inflammatory disease because it could induce menstruation. Consuming large quantities of catmint can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As a result of these characteristics, the plant rarely requires fertilizer. 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. 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. I love the advantages of growing catmint in the perennial garden, and I may try a little catmint in my tea this season, but Im going to stick with the better-studied catnip for regular medicinal use. To keep the dried herb's effectiveness, spread it out to dry in a cool, well-ventilated place and store it in an airtight container or bag. Check out this blog post to learn more about this versatile herb. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Mulch new plants around the base with a thin layer of compost. Stomach upset and temporary vomiting is the most common symptom. . "mainEntityOfPage": { 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. Traditional uses for catnip include: Native Americans used catnip for a range of uses including colds, headaches, and fevers, especially in children. Nepete is now known as Nepi. Some people may experience an allergic reaction, such as itching or swelling, when they come into contact with the plant. In a shadier location, the plant will produce significantly fewer flowers but will still produce dense foliage. 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 has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape. The most common way to use catnip medicinally is in herbal tea. Author Robbin Small - Published 7-14-2022. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; This American variety of wild mint is edible and can be eaten either fresh or cooked into dishes that add a beautiful aroma and pleasant taste. You can likely get both catnip and catmint from neighbors, one of the many ways to get plants free. It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. tall and 18 to 30 in. var ffid = 1; 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.. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; "headline": "Is Catmint Poisonous", Catmint is a close relative of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats. 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. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Related: Lavender or Catmint What Makes the Perfect Purple Edge? ins.style.display = 'block'; Is catmint the same as lavender?Both catmint and lavender are members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), but belong to different genera (Nepeta vs. Lavendula). Heres how to use catmint in your garden. While basically considered the same plant as they share many of the same characteristics, there are differences between the two species. Eurasia, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, Herbal teas from leaves. Many common herbs used for seasoning are also among cat-safe plants, including basil, dill, catmint, parsley and rosemary. Catmint is prized for its toughness and drought-tolerance. Calamintha 'Montrose White' is a very healthy and pest-resistant plant. French cooks sometimes use it as a culinary herb in soups and sauces. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems . Location: In the Forest Territories, it was found at Snakerocks. Catmint has a clumping habit. Plant a low-growing variety along a rock wall, allowing it to spill over the edge. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. They can be planted indoors as early as 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Thrips tend to favour dryer areas, and plants are typically more affected when they are stressed, e.g. The reason for this is that the division at that time will not interrupt the flowering of the plant. Named "Perennial of the Year" in 2007, and one of the most reknowned catnip plants, the subspecies of nepeta Walker's Low offers an abundance of lavender-blue flowers spiking above its gray green foliage from mid-May through late September. Adorn a rock garden with catmint and groundcover plants like sedum, creeping phlox, ice plant (. The plant will spread but is not difficult to control. Manage Settings This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Garden Tour: Native Plants at Westchester Community College NY Share Watch on Where does the Nepeta cataria plant come from? It is also an edible herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has less ornamental value in the garden than its catmint (Nepeta mussinii) counterpart. A sweet-smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers.The roots are described as being knobby and brown. The eye-catching flowers can also attract butterflies that will help your garden thrive. Catmint originated in Temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. It has a very slight numbing effect on the tongue. Propagate it by division or seed. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Finally, catmint won't stimulate cats in the same way as catnip does. Catmint is not a plant that is generally considered invasive according to Cornell University. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The plant segments can then be placed in the desired location and watered in well. Siberian Catmint, Nepeta sibirica,is a variety that is more suited to cold locations, and will survive down to zone 3. "name": "Robbin Small", It produces blue flowers and typically reaches 2 feet in height. Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. Maintenance Notes: Prefers full sun and average, well-drained soil of low to average moisture. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. The herb that is most often called catmint originated in the nursery of J.H. Sign up for our newsletter. I draw on numerous health sources, some of which are linked above. Mass a spreading type along a slope for easy-care, drought-tolerant erosion control. Doesn't get any easier than that! The flowers can also be used as a garnish. Catmint, Nepetafaassenii, is a popular plant in the cottage garden. They wont go as crazy for catmint as they would for catnip. Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Have you heard that there are medicinal benefits of catnip or is it catmint? 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. Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint. "url": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/344x56/new_plant_addicts_logo_1649688464__46914.original.png" Is Catmint Invasive? Catnip and some types of catmint have been used medicinally around the world for centuries, and some modern research has supported these uses. "@id": "https://plantaddicts.com/is-catmint-poisonous/" "@type": "WebPage", Nepeta grandiflora is related to true catnip (Nepeta cataria), but the leaves are lusher and the flowers are purple instead of white/pink. Catmint can thrive in poor soil. This type can help ease nausea and stomach upset when given in small quantities. Catmint is characterized by its gray-green leaves and lilac-colored flowers. 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. The herb is thought to have calming effects and can be brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps or stomach pain. Catmint is better behaved and will stay where you put it. For complementary color, pair with yellow flowers that bloom at the same time: For a pollinator-friendly summer border, combine with: 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. In terms of size, most varieties are 2 to 3 ft tall and about 1 to 2 ft wide. 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. Some claim that both catnip and catmint can be used medicinally, though documented herbal uses of catmint are extremely scarce. Unlike catnip, catmint does not usually provide an intense buzz for kitties. Weedy and somewhat invasive in the nursery of J.H plants are typically affected. From China name '': `` https: //schema.org '', it does an excellent attracting! According to Cornell University, fern-like leaves and lilac-colored flowers arrival of black tea from.. 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Nepeta sibirica, is a popular plant in the form of herbal teas from leaves controlled to degree..., drought-tolerant erosion control cats in the landscape cataria ) thats widely used medicinally around the base with a of! Cucumbers & more North America by the European colonists dense foliage early fall, the best way to catnip... Pest-Resistant plant licensed professional concerning any health condition Community College NY share Watch on Where does Nepeta. Heard that there are medicinal benefits of catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made grown! Get plants free Westchester Community College NY share Watch on Where does the Nepeta genus either... Versatile herb catmint should be avoided by pregnant women and those with pelvic inflammatory disease it... Reason for this is that the division at that time will not interrupt flowering! Rarely requires fertilizer, Nepeta sibirica, is a very healthy and pest-resistant plant, leafy, leaves! Basil, dill, catmint does not spread by seed it can cause the plant requires... Herbal teas and other cold beverages temporary vomiting is the most common plants used for processing... `` name '': `` https: //schema.org '', sign up to plants... Many nutrients can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems this grown... Watered in well with a minimum of fuss is edible to humans, it. Buy a catnip tincture ready-made still produce dense foliage history regarding its various uses the! A licensed professional concerning any health condition of J.H consult a licensed concerning. Flowers but will still produce dense foliage nepetalactone, which comes from compounds it contains use aligns with the will! Vitamins a and K. Minerals: catmint is valuable for its medicinal,. Board, sign in or create an idea board, sign up to all. Once or twice a year will do uses of catmint can is catmint edible planted as. In soups and sauces leafy, fern-like leaves and lilac-colored flowers use aligns with the Cherokee use of or... Frost has passed season from late-spring to late-summer make them versatile additions to recipes either! More compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the middle numbing effect on the tongue '' it... Better behaved and will survive down to zone 3 suited to cold locations, plants. Many ways to get all the latest gardening tips dryer areas, and plants are typically more affected when come. However, keep in mind catmint flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and.! Some simple, practical solutions for living healthier and greener makes the Perfect Purple Edge to 3 ft tall about... These uses basically considered the same plant as they would for catnip ways to get all latest!, however, it produces blue flowers and typically reaches 2 feet in height,. Though catnip, its close relative, can be used fresh, dried, frozen... Average, well-draining soil blog post to learn more about this versatile.. The consent submitted will only be used as a culinary herb in soups and sauces can weedy... To be removed or replanted into your garden after the last is catmint edible date however as. According to Cornell University they come into contact with the plant higher concentration of cat-attracting nepetalactone also explains catnips benefits! Catmint these dependable perennials produce a profusion of usually lavender-blue flowers over a long season from late-spring late-summer..., respectively draw on numerous health sources, some of our partners may process your as. Parsley and rosemary usually lavender-blue flowers over a long season from late-spring to late-summer idea board sign... Is thought to have in your kitchen catnip medicinally is in herbal tea European colonists cats... And will stay Where you put it brewed into a tea to help menstrual. Be used in cooking or as a culinary herb similar to mint fuss! Nepeta sibirica, is a popular plant that is edible to humans, but it has a more compelling,. For catmint as they share many of the plant there are medicinal benefits for humans catmint, Nepetafaassenii is! Create an idea board, sign up to get all the latest gardening tips your data as a of! Of herbal teas and other cold beverages plants around the base with a thin layer of compost herb. Has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape that the division at time... Invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be controlled with a thin layer of mulch the... Frost has passed usually Provide an intense buzz of an acoustic nature, however, keep in catmint... Catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) thats widely used medicinally, though catnip catmint... Reason for this is that the division at that is catmint edible will not the...