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common dittany

Scientific Name: Cunila origanoides

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Common Dittany (Cunila origanoides)

Common Dittany, scientifically known as Cunila origanoides, is a perennial plant with a rich history and a variety of uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces an essential oil (cunila oil) with aromatic properties.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant produces an essential oil (cunila oil) with aromatic properties.

Quirky Facts

  • Dittany is one of the few plants that form "frost flowers," ribbon-like frozen sculptures of sap that extrude from the crown of the plant under specific conditions.
  • Historically, the plant was dedicated to the ancient Cretan goddess Diktynna.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cunila origanoides (L.) Britton
  • Synonyms:
    • Mappia origanoides
    • Satureja origanoides L.
  • Common Names: Common Dittany, Maryland Dittany, Frost Flowers, Fairy Skirts, Stonemint, American Dittany, Wild Oregano
  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to America.
  • Occasional to locally common in SW Illinois and the southern tip of Illinois.
  • Hardiness Zones: 5-8.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1 ft).
  • Perennial subshrub to 18 inches.
  • Flowers are tubular, violet to light purple, with almost symmetrical petal lobes.

Traditional Uses

  • An essential oil, known as cunila oil, is obtained from the plant and is antiseptic, aromatic, and a stimulant.
  • Dittany has a long healing and magical history.
  • Cherokee used this plant as a drug (Analgesic), Infusion taken for.

Related Species

  • Closely related to common garden herbs such as Oregano (Origanum vulgare).

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Cunila origanoides.
  • ARKive (for Dittany of Crete).