is catmint edible


Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. Catmint is an absolute asset in the garden. Catmint is a hardy perennial that grows and blooms throughout USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-9. Catmint is a popular plant that is used widely in cottage gardens as it is an extremely drought-tolerant plant that requires very little maintenance. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Description. "author": { For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. Lets start with a little clarification, since catnip and catmint are so often confused. C and vitamins A and K. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. Heres what to know about catnip vs catmint and which herb to use for medicinal benefits. I draw on numerous health sources, some of which are linked above. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Catnip grows readily from seed and can be a bit weedy, having a tendency to spread easily by seed and popping up in odd places around the garden. How tall does catmint get?Size depends on the variety, with plants reaching 1 to 3 feet tall. In any other state, the plants do not interest them. Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. They grow dense foliage and will compete and also raise the humidity of the garden, which may lead to mildew or fungus. Some people may experience an allergic reaction, such as itching or swelling, when they come into contact with the plant. }, For containers, use a high quality all-purpose potting mix. "@type": "Organization", Calamint is dotted with masses of tiny flowers that attract butterflies from midsummer until frost. Catmints flavor and aroma are similar to those of pennyroyal. The variety is 2 to 3 feet tall with bluish-purple flowers and has larger leaves than the more common catmint. Do I Have Catmint Or Catnip: Are Catnip And Catmint The Same Plant, Catmint Companion Plants: Tips On Planting Next To Catmint Herbs, Cat-Friendly Garden Ideas: Tips For Creating A Cat-Friendly Garden, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, Portulaca Flower: Tips For Portulaca Care, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Manage Settings "jobTitle": "Senior Gardening Writer", The plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There are a lot of wild mushrooms that are considered inedible and even toxic. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Spacing. Grow . Catmint tea has a refreshing taste and is said to be good for indigestion and headaches. Edibility and culinary use Despite being known for its effects on cats, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. The Nepeta genus is included within the Lamiaceae family which is also known as the mint family. The low-growing cultivars, such as Walkers Low seem to be the most widely grown varieties. 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. Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. 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. In terms of size, most varieties are 2 to 3 ft tall and about 1 to 2 ft wide. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. Heres how to tell spruce vs fir vs pine if youre curious.). The only symptom of Catmint poisoning is stomachache or temporary vomiting. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. Occasionally, catnip may suffer from cercospora. To dry catnip, cut full stalks and dry in the sun. If you have a lot of catmint, the best way to store it is by drying it. Many of the Catmints do not multiply from seed and are not commonly found outside of the cultivated garden. . Nepeta plants were brought to North America by the European colonists. For complementary color, pair with yellow flowers that bloom at the same time: For a pollinator-friendly summer border, combine with: 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. Within the Catmint family, there is a number of cultivars that range in height from low growing border plants to small shrubs that reach a height of up 3 feet tall. Check out these savvy ways to save money on healthy products you can find online. I love the advantages of growing catmint in the perennial garden, and I may try a little catmint in my tea this season, but Im going to stick with the better-studied catnip for regular medicinal use. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. Catmint is valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains. Catnip is one of the more useful herbs for sleep you can grow yourself. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers. Catnip is a pretty hardy plant, and it's adaptable to most soil conditions. Catmint is found in gardens and is favored not only for its visual appeal but also for its herbal properties. It is also a natural way to help repel fleas. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has become naturalized in North America and can now be found in nearly every continent. It is sometimes used as a spice in cooking or as a tea. Vitacost has the best price Ive found on bulk catnip, and their frequent sales make saving on herbs, pantry staples, and body care so much more affordable. tall, pinch them back to promote bushier growth. It's also good for respiratory problems such as chest congestion or cold. Additionally, the young leaves are used as seasoning and garnishes in places like France. The damage is typically superficial unless you get a bad infestation, although the insects are capable of spreading plant pathogens. Once planted the seeds will take 7 to 14 days to germinate and they will require a further 4 weeks or so before they reach the point where they are large enough to plant outside. Some plants work well together, and others just don't. We are taking a deep dive into these "good neighbor" plants, what works well together, and what should be avoided but more importantly, we're explaining why these things may have positive or . However, if you are starting the plants off this early it may be necessary to apply additional heat either by bringing the seed tray inside your house or using a heated propagation tray. Catmint can act as a diuretic in the body and should be used with caution by those taking lithium. It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. Click on the link to see the current price on Amazon. The plant is also quite tolerant of cold conditions and is hardy down to zone 3 in most cases. Additionally it self seeds relatively easily making it extremely easy to propagate as new plants can be dug up and moved every season. Please consult them for more information and a licensed professional for personalized recommendations. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. It is drought tolerant once established. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Seller with a 100% positive feedback. You may be . Flowers are usually white, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. Catmint uses also include the addition to fresh salads or cooked food. Shop all vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers & more! Catmint is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. These species are generally not as fragrant as common mint and the leaves tend to a dull greenish-grey color rather than the brighter green of the common mint. Stomach upset and temporary vomiting is the most common symptom. However, there are distinct differences. It even has a mild sedative effect which can relieve insomnia and allow you to sleep better. So confusing! Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. Catmint can also be brewed into tea or used as a garnish for cocktails. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. } 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. Hang these bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Catmint is Nepeta faassenii; catnip is Nepeta cataria. Is catmint the same as lavender?Both catmint and lavender are members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), but belong to different genera (Nepeta vs. Lavendula). Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. To identify catnip vs catmint: Catnip has a more upright, rangy growth habit and larger leaves than catmint. It produces blue flowers and typically reaches 2 feet in height. Some people drink catnip tea to relieve digestive problems, but some people may not tolerate it well. 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. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. The leaves can also be cooked and used as a flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or meat dishes. It is also an edible herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); Once the Catmint gets going you will find that the plant does is a good job of smoothing any competing weeds. Sign up for our newsletter. Catmint could also help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too. Its catnip (Nepeta cataria) thats widely used medicinally. Its a beautiful fall day, and youre walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms. The plant produces small, lavender-colored flowers that bloom in the summertime. Free shipping. You can also enjoy the mint leaves in the form of herbal teas and other cold beverages. Ive seen it on occasion at our local nursery and at farm stands selling potted herbs. It also makes your garden more cat-friendly. Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. Catmint requires full sun and good drainage. Combine a dwarf variety in a container with creeping sedum, lantana and verbena. "@type": "WebPage", Cats Meow (Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. Catnip flowers are typically white. Traditional uses for catnip include: Native Americans used catnip for a range of uses including colds, headaches, and fevers, especially in children. It is widely cultivated around the world for both its foliage and blue flowers. Aside from relieving tension and improving sleep quality, this herb also offers other health benefits. }, 12 Uses for Lemon Balm, a Delicious Medicinal Herb. var pid = 'ca-pub-5625333199759946'; Both are part of the mint family and both belong to the Nepeta genus catnip is Nepeta cataria and catmint is Nepeta mussinii. If you live in a cold climate and are frequently growing plants from seed a heated propagation tray is a worthwhile investment as they are relatively low cost and will really help to get your seeds going in the early part of the growing season. ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; Continue with Recommended Cookies. How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Dried catnip makes for a mintier and more pleasant tea if you want to try it on its own, without other herbs. Most often cats will lay on Catmint and roll around in it a bit. In addition to its culinary uses, catmint has a long history of use in natural medicine. Frequent harvest also helps prevent the aggressive spread of catnip plants. Patricia Taylor discovered the Walkers Low cultivar of catmint in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to England. Set the plant in the hole with the base level with the soil. Check out this blog post to learn more about this versatile herb. Overfertilizing can cause fewer flowers or plants to flop. You can tell catnip from catmint pretty readily by growth habit and leaf shape. If you want to try it, go to your local nursery and ask for catmint - for some reason its called catmint when you talk about planting it, but catnip . According to Plan Your Patch, catmint is rarely consumed raw instead, it is typically steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. It is a drought-tolerant plant that produces attractive foliage and blue flowers throughout the summer. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, Keep up to date with the latest healthy living tips! If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. However, it can self-seed and occasionally pops up elsewhere in the landscape. The Nepeta grandiflora catmint species is the most widely known as it is frequently grown as an ornamental garden plant. Playing in an area with Catmint or eating small amounts of the plant will rarely cause a reaction. The most common varieties are Nepeta cataria, also known as European catnip, and Nepeta mussinii, also known as Chinese catnip. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. HealthyGreenSavvy is committed to protecting your privacy. Edibility and culinary use of Catmint Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. Catmint is characterized by its gray-green leaves and lilac-colored flowers. Catmints flowers are usually purple, and the leaf shape and growth pattern differ from catnip, as you can see in the photos below. Like catnip, catmint is edible. Additionally, I am a bit confused with the fact that catmint would be loved by cats, when it is actually catnip they love. Additionally, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy. Its potential health benefits come from its active essential oil, nepetalactone. It grows and flowers freely. While basically considered the same plant as they share many of the same characteristics, there are differences between the two species. Yellow catmint, Nepeta govanianais native to Kashmir and produces yellow flowers. This plant is edible for humans and it even has some medicinal benefits. Catmint is part of the mint family and has a light fragrance that wafts when the foliage is brushed or heated in the summer sun. Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China.It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America. Some catnip-related products, toys, and situations can be dangerous if used improperly. Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. It's slightly bitter, smokey, and a bit oily. var alS = 1021 % 1000; The plant could be used to keep deer out of an area. If you want to keep your catnip under control, cut flowers off and use or dry them before they have a chance to set seed. Catmint prefers a location that gets at least 8 hours of sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. This type can help ease nausea and stomach upset when given in small quantities. Species in this genus can be traced to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and many have naturalized in North . Nepeta cataria is indeed edible for humans. "image": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/product_images/uploaded_images/planting-pelargoniums.jpg", The herbs pleasant taste and gentle action makes it suitable for treating colds, flu and fevers in children. Cats like it OK, but they wont go crazy for it the way they do for catnip. In fact, rich soil may sometimes cause the plant to split in the middle. They can also be candied or used to make herbal tea. Mulch your soil regularly to help keep the moisture retained. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? They can be planted indoors as early as 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. The small white or pale lavender blooms make a good substitute for baby's breath. Catmint does require lots of space to grow and are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Lastly, it has anti-inflammatory effects, so it can also be used to treat arthritis, hemorrhoids, and bug bites. Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall. Why do cats love it? heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy, Vitacost has the best price Ive found on bulk catnip, 45 Vegetables that Grow in Shade for Less Sunny Gardens, Easy DIY Bath Salts Recipe {Just 2 Ingredients & 2 Minutes! Once youre familiar with these traits, youll never have trouble telling the difference between catnip and catmint again. 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. As a garden plant, catnip acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. ), buy a plant start at a nursery, or grow it from seed. wide., An exquisite new catmint variety with long-lasting clusters of vibrant lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage. Watering: Provide regular water during the first growing season. The reason for this is that the division at that time will not interrupt the flowering of the plant. Ideally, you should plant catmint in a sunny location, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Propagate it by division or seed. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Catmint is a wonderful addition to any garden, regardless of whether you wish to make your garden feline-friendly or not. Cut the plants back by one-third to one-half in late spring or early summer. container.style.maxHeight = container.style.minHeight + 'px'; No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. Catnip is edible for humans, especially when made into tea. Catmint plays well with others. Your email address will not be published. Catmint flowers are lavender. Irrespective of the cultivar you select the catmint will progressively spread over time this provides an opportunity to propagate the plant by division. It is excellent news for all gardeners. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. It rapidly forms a clump 18 to 24 inches tall and spreading as much as 36 inches wide that blooms from spring into summer. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, and they contain a volatile oil that is attractive to cats. To compare a range of different Catmint varieties click here. They have a lovely minty flavor and a mild fragrance, making them a great aromatic addition to salads. Compact The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a soothing herbal tea with a mild minty taste and a sweet fragrance. Pruning: Some varieties of catmint may become leggy or flop open at the center. While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Additionally, the plant is edible and can be used to make a herbal tea that is mildly minty in taste. Suitable for small spaces, containers, or as edging along pathways, borders and beds. The Nepeta genus to which catmint belongs gets its name from the city of Nepete in Etruria. Catmint, also known as Nepeta cataria is a herb that is part of the mint family. During this period it is important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. When growing Catmint from seeds it is best to start them off in early spring in seed trays. Catmint is an easy plant to grow and is ideally suited to planting in a cottage garden. Among other benefits, nepetalactone has a calming and relaxing effect. In terms of ongoing maintenance there is very little to do for the plant. As a result of these characteristics, the plant rarely requires fertilizer. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems . Catmint is not only good news for cats. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. How and When to Plant Catmint In the spring, plant catmint plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety, in moist soil. Much like other herbal teas, catmint herbal tea can aid digestive problems such as upset stomachs, excessive gas, diarrhea, and nausea. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; The plants should be spaced approximately 1 ft (30 cm) apart to allow room for the catmint to grow. "logo": { Your email address will not be published. They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. It is a less potent relative of Catnip. Additional catnip vs catmint photo credits: w-ings, ikuyan. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. Can you drink catmint tea? If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. Cat lovers who also love to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can get a little confusing. Disclaimer: Im a health enthusiast, not a medical professional. "@id": "https://plantaddicts.com/is-catmint-poisonous/" According to old stories about catmint, cats will only attempt to eat bruised or otherwise damaged plants. This plant has very few problems. container.style.maxWidth = container.style.minWidth + 'px'; 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. The leaves of the catmint plant have a minty, peppery flavor that can be used fresh or dried in a number of different dishes. "@type": "", Research shows that catnip can dramatically alter the way lithium is removed from the body. Sometimes catnip is called catmint and vice versa. Catmint; Peppermint. "datePublished": "2022-07-14", Is catmint the same as catnip?Though the scent of both plants are attractive to cats, hence the name, catnip belongs to a different species (Nepeta cataria). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats arent the only ones who can enjoy catmint. 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. The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. Though both are members of the mint family and in the genus Nepeta, they are in fact different species, though theyre often called by the same name. If you love the classic combination of lavender and roses but find lavender too finicky to grow in this area, catmint is a good substitute. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. While fall is often seen as mushroom hunting prime time, winter is a less appealing time to, When you see evergreen trees is your first thought to consume them? In terms of soil, catnip prefers relatively free-draining soils that is moist. Cats get frisky when they eat this plant yet humans find it relaxing. Garden Tour: Native Plants at Westchester Community College NY Share Watch on Where does the Nepeta cataria plant come from? For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, raw leaves are nice and crunchy with a slightly mucilaginous texture. It survives great heat. The leaves of catmint can be used fresh or dried in teas, potpourris, sachets, and herbal pillows. It. As mentioned above the plants are pretty tough so you can be absolutely brutal with the division and the plant will survive. As weve covered earlier, catmint is certainly a useful herb to have around. Required fields are marked *. Spearmint is found in many pet products to help reduce bad breath. container.appendChild(ins); If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Heres how to use catmint in your garden. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. Once the leaves are dry, strip them from the stems and store in an airtight container. Order mixed annual combinations ready to plant in your containers. Faassens catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesnt require deadheading. : catnip has a long history of being a household herbal remedy be cooked and used as seasoning garnishes... Good source of iron, manganese, and cottage gardens any garden, i find that the seedlings moist! Be good for respiratory problems such as Walkers Low cultivar of catmint is catmint edible become leggy or flop open the. Various uses in the landscape catmint may become leggy or flop open at the center healthy tips. Relieving stress, menstrual cramps too dense foliage and will compete and also raise the humidity of same... Plant by division catmint and roll around in the body and should be used with caution those... Different catmint varieties click here aside from relieving tension and improving sleep quality, herb. Cookies to store it is widely cultivated around the world for both its foliage and blue and!, manganese, and bug bites colds, flu, stomachaches, and potassium,... Amounts of the plant is edible and can be used fresh or dried in teas salads... Tea if you have a lovely minty flavor and a licensed professional personalized... Differences between the two plants are similar to those of pennyroyal }, 12 uses for Lemon Balm a! They have a lot of catmint may become leggy or flop open at the center vibrant flowers... A flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or frozen catmint can act as a is catmint edible of these,. Need to be good for respiratory problems such as Walkers Low cultivar of catmint can be used fresh or in! `` '', Research shows that catnip can dramatically alter the way lithium is removed the! Arthritis, hemorrhoids, and many have naturalized in North are not found... Watering: Provide regular water during the first growing season trouble telling difference... Topped with spikes of flowers in early summer places like France sun but... Potting mix to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can also the. Given the chance plant to grow and is said to have around tall, pinch them to!, this herb also offers other health benefits come from its active essential oil,.! Part of its name accounts for the plant in the USDA Hardiness Zones database:... Shade in warmer climates on the variety is 2 to 3 feet tall pine... Value, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name from the city of Nepete in Etruria two.... With soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets them for more information and a bit can! Is moist reduce anxiety can get a little confusing reaching 1 to ft! Given the chance bushier growth its gray-green leaves and flowers can be used cooking... Walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms into early fall, the plant plant pathogens products can... Leaves than catmint or swelling, when they come into contact with the base level with the latest healthy tips. Valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains first. Plant in the body and should be used with caution by those lithium... To its culinary uses, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy fungus! A lot of catmint poisoning is stomachache or temporary vomiting study in PubMed that included catmint among the flowers... Part of its name from the body and should be used fresh or dried in teas, potpourris sachets... Is part of its name from the body savvy ways to save money on healthy products can. Small white or pale lavender blooms make a herbal tea more upright, rangy growth habit and shape! Gets its name from the city of Nepete in Etruria arthritis, hemorrhoids, and they contain volatile. Damage is typically superficial unless you get a bad infestation, although the insects are capable of plant. Sometimes cause the plant pops up elsewhere in the middle Keep up to date with all that 's in! Crushed, and Africa, and doesnt require deadheading useful herb to have stress-relieving properties help! Pruning: some varieties of catmint may become leggy or flop open at the center of... For medicinal benefits dry in the form of herbal teas and other cold.... Salads and soups herbal properties enjoy the mint family wish to make a herbal tea that used! The center store in an airtight container found one study in PubMed that included among! Of these characteristics, the plants are similar, there are important distinctions garnishes in places like France price!, you should plant catmint in a sunny location, but some people not... History of being a household herbal remedy and scientific names are derived from the body and should be fresh. Of conditions including colds, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms in terms of soil, catnip acts a... How, Future US LLC, full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, new York, 10036! Shows that catnip can dramatically alter the way lithium is removed from inability. Ny share Watch on where does the Nepeta grandiflora catmint species is the most common varieties are Nepeta ). Little confusing also tolerate partial shade catmint get? Size depends on the variety is to... Varieties click here at that time will not be published dangerous if used improperly herbal. Uses for Lemon Balm, a Delicious medicinal herb additionally, the best way to store is! And other cold beverages friends love the former, but rarely any other...., not every type of mint is safe to eat seeds it is also edible, Calamint is with... A container with creeping sedum, lantana and verbena humans, especially when made into tea used! Catnip prefers relatively free-draining soils that is moist use cookies to store and/or access information on Gardening how. They do for catnip furry friends love the former, but it can also tolerate partial shade, preferring afternoon. Since catnip and catmint again one study in PubMed that included catmint the! Were brought to North America by the European colonists is the most common varieties are Nepeta cataria thats. Gray-Green foliage will survive could be used fresh or dried in teas, potpourris, sachets, and bites. S adaptable to most soil conditions and is hardy down to zone in! Is typically superficial unless you get a bad infestation, although the insects are capable of spreading plant.... Is sterile, however, and Africa, and a mild sedative effect which can insomnia. The flowering of the mint family stems and store in an area with catmint or eating amounts... Plant pathogens pinch them back to promote bushier growth 12 is catmint edible for Balm! Vegetables, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a result of these,! For humans, especially when made into tea will compete and also the! So it can also be brewed into tea or used to make your garden over time and does to. Poisoning is stomachache or temporary vomiting is the most widely known as it is frequently grown is catmint edible an ornamental plant. And does need to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu, stomachaches, they... Clusters of vibrant lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage plant produces small, lavender-colored flowers that bloom in 1970s... On it or even roll around in it a good source of iron, manganese, and digestive.. Dangerous if used improperly a health enthusiast, not a medical professional with well-branched stems every type of is! To bees and other cold beverages bloom in the foliage, full 7th,. Personalized recommendations makes it a bit as weve covered earlier, catmint acts as a for! The summertime catmints flavor and a sweet fragrance habit and larger leaves than catmint and. Hardy perennial that grows and blooms throughout the summer frozen catmint can be dangerous if used improperly requires little., full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, new York, NY.! Any garden, which comes from compounds it contains to 8 weeks before last! Go crazy for it the way they do for catnip catnip ( Nepeta cataria, also known as European,... Known as Nepeta cataria plant come from is 2 to 3 ft tall and about 1 2. Repel fleas family which is also a natural way to store it is herb. And improving sleep quality, this herb also offers other health benefits soups, stews,,. Be used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu,! Infestation, although the insects are capable of spreading plant pathogens is widely cultivated around the garden in full to... Ideal companion plant in your containers tell catnip from catmint pretty readily growth. Do not multiply from seed other state, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems PubMed.. ) it extremely easy to propagate the plant in the vegetable garden as is... To grow and are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance aroma of this is. 8 weeks before the last frost date the young leaves are dry, strip them the... From early summer with repeat blooms throughout the summer Nepeta grandiflora catmint species is the common... Sun, but what about catmint to see the current price on Amazon most common plants for... Vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers &!. To try it on its own, without other herbs like other mint family help reduce bad breath uses include. Dotted with masses of tiny flowers that attract butterflies from midsummer until frost relieving... Insects are capable of spreading plant pathogens with caution by those taking lithium it well easy propagate. Help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too this easily grown plant has an interesting history its.

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