SafePlants

Lesser Calamint (Calamintha nepeta)

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

Considerations for Pets

• As a member of the mint family, Calamintha nepeta possesses a strong scent that might be intriguing to some animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi
• Common Name: Lesser Calamint
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Calamintha nepetoides
  • Clinopodium calamintha
  • Clinopodium nepeta
  • Melissa nepeta
  • Satureja nepeta
• Subspecies: Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta

Description and Growth Habits

• Lesser calamint forms a compact, bushy mound, typically reaching 12 to 18 inches (0.3 to 0.45 meters) in height and slightly more in width.
• It features fine, upright stems covered with small, shiny, dark green leaves.
• The plant produces airy plumes of numerous small, barely blue or white flowers from June to October.
• The foliage is described as having an oregano-like texture and emits a mint-like scent.
• It is a perennial, hardy to zone (UK) 6, and not frost tender.

Distribution and Habitat

• Lesser calamint is native to the UK and found in western Europe to central Asia and in North America.
• It thrives in dry soils, hedgerows, scrub, and open woodlands.
• One specific colony in London is located at Lesnes Abbey.

Cultivation

• Lesser calamint is easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils and prefers full sun.
• It may self-seed in the garden.
• Shearing or cutting back after flowering can help maintain a tidy appearance.
• It is suitable for dry, sunny borders and rock gardens, although it may be considered large for smaller rock gardens.

Quirky Facts

• The scent of lesser calamint has been described as resembling pennyroyal.
• In Italian cuisine, it is known as mentuccia, nipitella, or nepitella.
• It is known to attract butterflies and bees.

Uses

• Lesser calamint has potential medicinal uses and has been traditionally used in herbal teas for calming indigestion and soothing nervous tension.
• The leaves can be added to salads for a minty flavor.
• It is used in Italian cuisine.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community sharing gardening tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides help and information on Calamintha nepeta.
• WebMD: Contains patient medical information for calamint.