SafePlants

Lesser Calamint (Calamintha nepeta)

Lesser calamint, scientifically known as Calamintha nepeta, is a charming perennial herb belonging to the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is known for its aromatic foliage and delicate flowers, making it a popular choice for gardens and herb collections.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant has mint-scented foliage, oregano-like leaves, and is intensely textured. It's a good idea to monitor pets around aromatic plants.
• The plant has small leaves and flowers that may be attractive to pets and may pose a potential choking hazard if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the plant has small leaves and flowers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi
• Common Names: Lesser Calamint
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
• Synonyms: Calamintha nepetoides, Clinopodium calamintha, Clinopodium nepeta, Melissa nepeta
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (e.g., Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the UK and parts of western Europe to central Asia, and also found in North America.
• Prefers dry soils.
• One colony is known to exist in London, at Lesnes Abbey.
• Often found growing in hedgerows, scrub, or open woodlands.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Perennial shrub with a compact, mound-forming habit.
• Typically grows to a height of 0.6 meters (2 feet) and a width of 0.8 meters (2 feet 7 inches).
• Produces fine, upright stems covered with small, shiny, dark green, oregano-like leaves.
• The leaves are described as mint-scented and downy grey in some varieties.
• Features airy plumes of numerous small, barely blue, white, or lavender-pink flowers from June to October.

Ecological Role

• Attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
• May self-seed in the garden if left unmanaged.

Quirky Facts

• Lesser Calamint is known as "mentuccia," "nipitella," or "nepitella" in Italian cuisine.
• Some describe the fragrance as resembling Pennyroyal.
• One source suggests lesser calamint is like adding baby's breath to a floral bouquet.

Cultivation

• Easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.
• Hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender.
• Shear or cut back plants after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
• Suitable for dry sunny borders, rock walls, or herb gardens.

Uses

• Used in Italian cuisine.
• Leaves can be added to salads for a minty flavor.
• Can be used to make a refreshing tea to calm indigestion and soothe nervous tension.
• Has potential medicinal uses, including anti-depressant and expectorant properties (as herbal teas-infusions).
• Essential oil can be extracted.

Further Information

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
• Dave's Garden
• WebMD