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woodland calamint

Scientific Name: Calamintha sylvatica

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Woodland Calamint: Aromatic Herb for Your Garden

Woodland Calamint, known scientifically as Calamintha sylvatica, is a delightful perennial herb appreciated for its aromatic qualities and attractive flowers. It's a close relative of garden mint but is often considered less aggressive in its growth habit.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant contains sap or other substances.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Calamintha sylvatica
  • Accepted Name: Clinopodium menthifolium (Host) Stace
  • Common Names: Woodland Calamint, Wood Calamint, Mountain Balm, Basil Thyme
  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Synonyms and Subspecies

  • Calamintha menthifolia
  • Calamintha sylvatica subsp. ascendens (Jord.) P.W. Ball
  • Clinopodium menthifolium subsp. ascendens

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Northern temperate regions, including western Europe to central Asia and North America.
  • Often found in grassland, scrub, and open woodlands.
  • Grows well on the verge of woods where it can get more sunlight.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial plant growing to approximately 0.6 meters (2 feet) in height and 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) in spread.
  • Has an erect development, tending to grow in height and width, giving origin to a rounded shrub.
  • Showy calamint can be evergreen during summer
  • A forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass)

Ecological Role

  • Important for woodland biodiversity.
  • In the UK, it's considered a rare plant often found in limestone woodlands.

Cultivation

  • Hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender.
  • Flowers from July onwards.
  • Prefers full sun and average, well-drained soil.
  • Suitable for the front of a border or in a woodland setting among Hosta or ferns.

Further Resources

  • USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov
  • Discover Life: Information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Brief information and articles about Clinopodium menthifolium.
  • Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
  • International Plant Names Index