SafePlants

Lesser Calamint (Calamintha nepeta)

Calamintha nepeta, commonly known as lesser calamint, is a charming perennial herb belonging to the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It's appreciated for its fragrant foliage, attractive flowers, and ease of cultivation.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is noted as having mint-scented, oregano-like foliage, which may be of interest to pets.

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
  • Satureja nepeta
• Subspecies: Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the UK and found across western Europe to central Asia, and in North America.
• Prefers dry soils.
• A colony exists in London at Lesnes Abbey.
• Grows in hedgerows, scrub, and open woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial herb or shrub, forming a compact mound.
• Grows to a height of 0.6 m (2 ft) and a width of 0.8 m (2 ft 7 in).
• Produces fine, upright stems covered with small, shiny, dark green leaves resembling oregano.
• Features lavender-pink or white flowers.
• Flowers from July to September (June to October may be possible)

Quirky Facts

• The scent is described as resembling pennyroyal.
• In Italian cuisine, it is called mentuccia, nipitella, or nepitella.
• Some consider it a superior variety of herb with almost superior virtues.
• Lesser Calamint 'Alba' produces white flowers.

Cultivation

• Hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender.
• Easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.
• May self-seed in the garden.
• Shear or cut back plants after flowering to tidy the appearance.

Ecological Role

• Attracts bees and butterflies.

Uses

• Used for its sweet flavor.
• Leaves can be added to salads.
• Used to make refreshing tea that calms indigestion and soothes nervous tension.
• Used in Italian cuisine.
• Herbal infusions may have anti-depression and expectorant properties.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• The Herb Patch
• Plant Delights Nursery
• WebMD
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Johnsons Seeds / Webbs Direct Online Garden Centre
• RareFind Nursery
• Getty Images
• Almaany Online Dictionary