Maintenance Notes: Prefers full sun and average, well-drained soil of low to average moisture. Catmint is Nepeta faassenii; catnip is Nepeta cataria. It is excellent news for all gardeners. Plant in a curbside strip in combination with other drought-tolerant perennials such as lavender, salvia, agastache, sedums and ornamental grasses. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. However, there are also some low-growing varieties that only reach a height of 1 ft (30 cm) and also a couple of varieties that reach 4 ft. Its delicious minty taste makes it great to use in cooking and as an herbal medicine. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The plant may need the occasional water in dry period and a trim at the end of the season to tidy up plant, however, this is entirely optional. It grows in a clumping mound and can reach up to three feet in height. Even herbalists writing about these two plants often conflate them or use common names for the plants that dont distinguish between them. They wont go as crazy for catmint as they would for catnip. 'Cat's Meow' Nepeta faassenii USPP 24,472, Can 5,098. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. The leaves can be added to salads, soups, or stews for flavor. It survives great heat. Small, two-lipped, white (with pale purple spotting) flowers (1/4" long) bloom in spike-like terminal clusters at the stem ends from late spring well into summer. Plant a low-growing variety along a rock wall, allowing it to spill over the edge. Catmint is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. You may be . Growth Stage. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. You can likely get both catnip and catmint from neighbors, one of the many ways to get plants free. Once the seedlings reach a sufficiently large size they may be transplanted into the garden after the risk of a late frost has passed. "url": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/344x56/new_plant_addicts_logo_1649688464__46914.original.png" Is catmint the same as catnip? As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Catnip is a pretty hardy plant, and it's adaptable to most soil conditions. Is Catnip Edible For Humans? As its name implies, the catmint plant can be irresistible for cats. However, it can self-seed and occasionally pops up elsewhere in the landscape. Here are some other differences and similarities between the two plants: Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. This will promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. However, as catmint does not spread by seed it can be controlled with a minimum of fuss. Just like lavender, catmint can be used to cover the bare "limbs" of rose bushes. Dig around the plant clump with a shovel or spade. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. Compact Are All Types of Mint Plants Edible? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There are a lot of wild mushrooms that are considered inedible and even toxic. Both are totally fine for cats in moderation, but cats are usually more attracted to catnip. Hi! Catmint uses also include the addition to fresh salads or cooked food. Can you drink catmint tea? Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip. What do you like to do with them? 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Catnip, sometimes also called catmint or field balm, is a plant in the mint family. Catmint uses also include the addition to fresh salads or cooked food. Aside from relieving tension and improving sleep quality, this herb also offers other health benefits. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Identifying catnip vs catmint is easy once you get familiar with the two plants. Catmint is drought tolerant once the root system is established, needing little or no supplemental water. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its shy yet intoxicating flowers and gray-green leaves. Ive seen it on occasion at our local nursery and at farm stands selling potted herbs. If you are interested in purchasing one we recommend the iPower Heating Seed Starter Germination Kit which is shown in the picture below. Catmint has a long history of use as a household herbal remedy, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. If you want to try catnip tea or add catnip to your evening tea blends, you can grow it yourself or buy it dried and ready to use. Companion Planting Companion planting, sometimes called intercropping, can be used to deter pests and improve yields. Before Romes rise, the country of Etruria was the center of Etruscan civilization. Given the choice between herbs and grass, however, cats are more likely . When flowers begin to fade, shear them off to encourage new growth and another wave of flowering. They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. Nepeta Common name: Catmint These dependable perennials produce a profusion of usually lavender-blue flowers over a long season from late-spring to late-summer. Edible. With all the confusion about names, most searches for whether catmint is edible will take you to a post actually describing catnip, which definitely is edible and has many studied medicinal uses. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to "@type": "Organization", If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Your email address will not be published. I can answer the catnip part Much like other herbal teas, catmint herbal tea can aid digestive problems such as upset stomachs, excessive gas, diarrhea, and nausea. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. The leaves and flowers are safe for humans to eat, but the stems and roots are not.If youre looking to add a little flavor to your salads or other dishes, catmint leaves make a great addition. Frequent harvest also helps prevent the aggressive spread of catnip plants. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. Catmint is not a plant that is generally considered invasive according to Cornell University. "@id": "https://plantaddicts.com/is-catmint-poisonous/" To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. At the ending of each growing season, they can be cut back hard in order to reshape the plant and get it ready for next year. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. Heres how to use catmint in your garden. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Its potential health benefits come from its active essential oil, nepetalactone. It is a less potent relative of Catnip. It is improving yearly as ever more varieties come on sale. Plants respond well to shearing to promote rebloom. Catmint (nepeta faassenii or mussinii) is more ornamental with pretty purple flowers and has a bit of a cinnamony smell to its mint/catnip scent. I dont love the taste of fresh catnip on its own, though, so I usually combine it with lots of other herbs growing in my yard, including wild violets, yarrow, and lemon balm. It produces aromatic gray-green foliage and upright flower spikes in shades of lavender-blue, pink or white. Consider planting low-growing Catmint around plants that attract deer browsing. Catmint does require lots of space to grow and are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. In any other state, the plants do not interest them. Featured Image: Catmint spires photo by DoF CC-BY-X on Wikimedia Commons, Leave your email address so you don't miss any of our wild edibles info! It can be easy to mistake these two plants as simply different names for the same thing, but they are, in fact, different plants. It features a vented dome which helps to main humid conditions. 3-inch aromatic grey-green leaves have downy stems and leaves which help give the plant its grey-green appearance. Description. If you want to make your own, heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy. The plant produces small, lavender-colored flowers that bloom in the summertime. Why do cats love it? Catmint isn't just a pretty face in the garden, it's an herb that can be used medicinally for a wide variety of ailments from arthritis to menstrual cramps. Editors note: This article was originally published in May 2019. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Catmint is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. It is a low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage. Catmint. Catnip is one of the more useful herbs for sleep you can grow yourself. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This metastudy covers numerous Nepeta species (including several catmints) and reports that many had high concentrations of antioxidants and compounds with antimicrobial and other properties. Irrespective of the cultivar you select the catmint will progressively spread over time this provides an opportunity to propagate the plant by division. Professional Growing Information. Start, How to Make Vinegar from Scratch {Homemade Vinegar 2 Ways}, 35+ Best Spinach Companion Plants {Plus 2 to Avoid} . Its also good for respiratory problems such as cold, cough, and chest congestion. . Catmint (Nepeta) is a genus of perennial herbs in the mint family that also includes catnip (Nepeta cataria).They are extremely easy-to-grow plants with few pests or problems. Manage Settings ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; } It's slightly bitter, smokey, and a bit oily. At this stage, the plants will have typically reached a height of 4 inches or so. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? An oil derived from catnip rich in nepetalactone has been found to be effective for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. "name": "Robbin Small", The flowers can also be used as a garnish. If you're looking for a tough-as-nails plant that will bloom for months on end with very little pampering, catmint is sure to make you purr with delight. Many people wonder what is the difference between catnip and catmint. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its strong, aromatic scent and its ability to deter pests like rodents and insects. N. x faassenii, an N. racemosa hybrid also known as Faassen's catmint, is a compact mounding hybrid with small but attractive lavender flowers.It is also grown primarily for its ornamental value. [amazon_link asins=B00TZANB0W,B004HQ3PKK template=ProductCarousel store=spiceography-20 marketplace=US link_id=547a598a-0f08-11e9-8af9-d9e608341f1f]. var ffid = 1; The flavor of wild violets is mild, not overwhelming so you can eat a whole bunch at one time. Meanwhile, older leaves can be used as a potherb in cooked dishes. Her work has appeared in Mother Earth Living, Ensia, Northern Gardener, Sierra, and on numerous websites. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America. Species in this genus can be traced to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and many have naturalized in North . The plant segments can then be placed in the desired location and watered in well. Catmint vs. Unlike catnip, catmint does not usually provide an intense buzz for kitties. You can learn more about how to grow Faassen's catmint in our guide.. Cultivation and History. Heres what it looks like in flower: If its sold at all, you might find the less attractive catnip plant with the culinary herbs. Set the plant in the hole with the base level with the soil. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-medrectangle-3-0'; When establishing the plants from seed they can be sown directly into the garden however my personal preference is to sow them in seed trays as it allows me to have greater control over the growing conditions. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consuming catmint. Catmint should be avoided by pregnant women and those with pelvic inflammatory disease because it could induce menstruation. As for the soil, catnip loves sandy soil and clay soil thats somewhat moist and well-drained. Water catmint plants regularly until they become well established. I dont really mind finding catnip in new spots around my edible landscape, so I just harvest more for my tea. Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. For example, the herb is thought to have been first cultivated in the Roman town of Nepeti, where it was used as herbal tea and insect repellent. Catmint is drought tolerant and thrives on neglect, making it good for beginning gardeners, low-maintenance landscapes and water-wise borders. "publisher": { The seedlings will take 6 to 8 weeks to reach a sufficiently large size to allow them to be planted out into the garden. To compare a range of different Catmint varieties click here. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Check out these savvy ways to save money on healthy products you can find online. The herbs pleasant taste and gentle action makes it suitable for treating colds, flu and fevers in children. In addition to its culinary uses, catmint has a long history of use in natural medicine. Flowers are usually white, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. Before Chinese tea became popular in the U.K., the English would make tea from catmint. The most common way to use catnip medicinally is in herbal tea. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Have you heard that there are medicinal benefits of catnip or is it catmint? Your email address will not be published. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. Ground Cinnamon Vs. Cinnamon Stick How Do They Compare. "knowsAbout": ["Edible Gardening, Plants, Gardening, Nurseries, Houseplants, Container Gardening, Landscape & Garden Design, Native Plants of North America, Seed Saving, Waterwise Planting, Seed & Plant Propagation, Sustainable Gardening"], Given how little reliable information we have about catmint, I suggest proceeding with caution with Nepeta species other than Nepeta cataria unless you find something more definite. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. Eurasia, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, Herbal teas from leaves. The plant is known for its fragrant leaves, which can be used to flavor food or make a tea. and wondered whether that plant in your garden might wind up in your teapot? Its also advisable to stop or limit catmint consumption during menstruation as it may make periods heavier. Combine a dwarf variety in a container with creeping sedum, lantana and verbena. Is Catmint Invasive? "alumniOf": [{ In terms of ongoing maintenance there is very little to do for the plant. During extreme heat or prolonged dry spells, water as needed. Water well. The plant blooms from June to September.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stuffsure_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',181,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-banner-1-0'); Catmint is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. More about me and my green projects here. Once the Catmint gets going you will find that the plant does is a good job of smoothing any competing weeds. Its a beautiful fall day, and youre walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms. It even has a mild sedative effect which can relieve insomnia and allow you to sleep better. You can tell catnip from catmint pretty readily by growth habit and leaf shape. "@type": "Article", Catmints flowers are usually purple, and the leaf shape and growth pattern differ from catnip, as you can see in the photos below. Catmint originated in Temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa. Catmint is valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains. Catmint, Nepetafaassenii, is a popular plant in the cottage garden. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America The plant is also known by the names catnip, catswort, and field balm. When filling the trays I recommend using seed raising mix as it is light and fluffy which makes it easier for the seedlings roots to penetrate the soil. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. Ditto for butterflies. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. This is what cats love and what induces them to eat the leaves that give them a euphoric high. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its strong, aromatic scent and its ability to deter pests like rodents and insects. Those compounds include: Vitamins: Like many in the mint family, catmint is an excellent source of vitamin C. It contains vitamins A and K as well. Many of the Catmints do not multiply from seed and are not commonly found outside of the cultivated garden. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. This perennial herb is known to induce a mild euphoria in animals, especially cats. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. They can be added to salad greens, used as a garnish on soup or fish, or used to flavor vinegars and oils. Catmint could also help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too. var pid = 'ca-pub-5625333199759946'; It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. However, there are distinct differences. These Walker's Low catmint plants can easily reach 30 inches in height from ground to top of flower stalk, and grows to be about 36-40 inches wide. { Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. Order mixed annual combinations ready to plant in your containers. Catnip itself is perfectly safe for cats, but there are certain situations to avoid. It was considered a stimulant and able to make gentle people fierce. Several Native American tribes embraced the herb for its medicinal benefits. It is a sterile hybrid plant, the result of a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. This is also believed to be the origin of its genus name, Nepeta. or so apart. VIDEO Created byHomegrownfeaturingMark Weathington, Director ofJC RaulstonArboretum. Additionally it self seeds relatively easily making it extremely easy to propagate as new plants can be dug up and moved every season. Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. All Nepetas produce nepetalactone, which is the compound that causes the well-known reaction in cats but Nepeta cataria contains much more of it. Follow these steps and space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, and they contain a volatile oil that is attractive to cats. Their rich flavor and texture make them versatile additions to recipes, either as a side. Catmint is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 2 feet (0.61 m) in height and 3 feet (0.91 m) in width. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. Plant catmint alongside other plants with similar cultural needs of full sun and good drainage. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. Catmint tea can help with tummy troubles such as gas, indigestion, and cramping. As weve covered earlier, catmint is certainly a useful herb to have around. But is it invasive like mint and will it take over the garden? If you are looking for a plant to grow purely for the enjoyment of your cats, go with catnip, but if you want a prettier perennial with ongoing blooms, catmint is the better choice. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. Occasionally, catnip may suffer from cercospora. Catmint is better behaved and will stay where you put it. Both plants attract bees and butterflies in the garden. However, if your pet consumes too much, it can cause kidney and liver problems. Disclaimer: Im a health enthusiast, not a medical professional. It is commonly used on the edges of a border and also makes an excellent groundcover due to its thick matted root system which smoothers any competition from weeds. It's also good for respiratory problems such as chest congestion or cold. Apparently catmint is also ok for human consumption and is used in cooking sometimes but I haven't read . Catmint requires full sun and good drainage. Once the leaves are dry, strip them from the stems and store in an airtight container. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. Perhaps its higher concentration of cat-attracting nepetalactone also explains catnips medicinal benefits for humans. Edibility and culinary use Despite being known for its effects on cats, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. Nepeta cataria is indeed edible for humans. Email Address*, See our privacy policy for more information about ads on this site. These flowers grow amid lush gray-green foliage which is characterized by plush leaves that have quite a delicate and lacy appearance. I found one article claiming Nepeta x faassenii was edible and another saying Nepeta racemosa was, but neither author cited any sources and may have just been repeating information about catnip where it had been called by its common name catmint. Japanese catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil. Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. Im speaking from experience. Catmint is a general term that is used to describe a range of species in the Nepeta genus which includes Nepeta faassenii, Nepeta govaniana, Nepeta grandiflora, and Nepeta nervosa. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Sign up for our newsletter. The eye-catching flowers can also attract butterflies that will help your garden thrive. For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The reason for this is that the division at that time will not interrupt the flowering of the plant. Catmint also has a diuretic effect, this induces sweating and increases urination frequency. Catmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. They can be planted indoors as early as 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. //