Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. In any other state, the plants do not interest them. 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? Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. You can use catmint tea as a sleep aid or as a tea to treat anxiety. It's also good for respiratory problems such as chest congestion or cold. The seeds or divisions of the catmint plant are planted in spring. This study looked at similar traditional uses of different catmints in various parts of the world. Basic care of catmint is easy. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. You may be . Both of these varieties are edible, and they have a similar taste and smell to mint. The division can be done at any stage of the year, however, I generally recommend doing it in late Autumn or even winter dependent upon the climate you live in. It can be alarming to see your plant flattened by a cat, but Catmint will quickly recover after some pruning or propping back up with stakes. Lift and divide catmint clumps every three years in the spring to increase your plant stock. Insomnia and anxiety: Gently sedative. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. It came to be called catmint owing to having a strong scent that cats find attractive. Traditional uses for catnip include: Native Americans used catnip for a range of uses including colds, headaches, and fevers, especially in children. Among other benefits, nepetalactone has a calming and relaxing effect. More about me and my green projects here. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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 . Catmint can thrive in poor soil. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Manage Settings They are commonly used as a lettuce substitute in salads and sandwiches. Catnip itself is perfectly safe for cats, but there are certain situations to avoid. The taste and scent are both relatively mild when compared to those of other mints. Catmints flavor and aroma are similar to those of pennyroyal. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant a low-growing variety along a rock wall, allowing it to spill over the edge. Heres how to make lemon balm tea, which is quite tasty with a little catnip, an excellent evening beverage to encourage relaxation and better sleep. This is also believed to be the origin of its genus name, Nepeta. Nepeta has slightly aromatic gray-green foliage with a delicate, lacy appearance. Catmint and Roses are a classic combination, and the catmint border may deter hungry deer looking to forage on the rose buds. N.C. Harvest the plant frequently to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from setting seed too early. Substitute catmint for lavender in colder climates where lavender wont grow. Do not let your cat drink catnip-infused tinctures, sprays, or solutions unless they are labeled safe for feline consumption. The plant could be used to keep deer out of an area. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. Those compounds include: Use catmint for treating or preventing these and other conditions: The most common application for catmint is as a tea that you make by steeping it by itself or in combination with other herbs to make a beverage. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its shy yet intoxicating flowers and gray-green leaves. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; Is catmint invasive?Catmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. }, 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.. Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. A list of the more common varieties of Nepetafaassenii are provided below; In addition to Nepetafaassenii there are also several other species from the same genus that are useful alternatives in the garden if the soil conditions are not ideal. Catnip is a pretty hardy plant, and it's adaptable to most soil conditions. Want some super-simple ways to live healthier now? 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. Catmint, Nepetafaassenii, is a popular plant in the cottage garden. The answer is both yes and no. The Nepeta genus is included within the Lamiaceae family which is also known as the mint family. Grow . "headline": "Is Catmint Poisonous", Lavender or Catmint What Makes the Perfect Purple Edge? Catmint is excellent for attracting pollinators to a garden and gardeners often plant it for this purpose. In fact, rich soil may sometimes cause the plant to split in the middle. Include catmint in an herb garden alongside other drought-tolerant herbs such as rosemary. Dogs are not drawn to catmint in the same way cats may be. Catmint is definitely not poisonous for cats. The plant spreads rapidly by runners and can become invasive if not controlled. Cold Resistant, Edible, Organic. var alS = 1021 % 1000; Calamint is a member of the mint family, but it doesn't spread by runners, so it usually remains well behaved in the garden. Keep them 12 apart from each other to avoid overcrowding. The eye-catching flowers can also attract butterflies that will help your garden thrive. Spearmint. Tea made from the leaves and flowers can be used for calming nerves and relieving coughs, congestion, and menstrual cramps. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its Caitlin Burke. Siberian Catmint, Nepeta sibirica,is a variety that is more suited to cold locations, and will survive down to zone 3. "jobTitle": "Senior Gardening Writer", document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There are a lot of wild mushrooms that are considered inedible and even toxic. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Manage Settings Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems though it can be a bit weedy. To dry catnip, cut full stalks and dry in the sun. They should be planted at least 12 to 16 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. The variety is 2 to 3 feet tall with bluish-purple flowers and has larger leaves than the more common catmint. and wondered whether that plant in your garden might wind up in your teapot? Therefore, you may want to add some edging around them. Susannah is a proud garden geek and energy nerd who loves healthy food and natural remedies. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-medrectangle-3-0'; Shop herbs plants including basil, mint, thyme, oregano, dill, chives & more. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. Catnip is also found to be highly attractive to cats, with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. Follow on, HealthyGreenSavvy is all about shortcuts to a healthier, greener life. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Edibility and culinary use of Catmint This plant is edible and it . 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. . Catmint is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Is catmint edible? But a few may be lethal if consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, The days grow shorter, and the weather chillier. During this period it is important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist. Remove and crumble leaves and add to cat toys. Companion Planting Companion planting, sometimes called intercropping, can be used to deter pests and improve yields. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. 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. When growing Catmint from seeds it is best to start them off in early spring in seed trays. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; They are even heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent plants for dry garden areas. Both are totally fine for cats in moderation, but cats are usually more attracted to catnip. ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; container.style.maxHeight = container.style.minHeight + 'px'; Hi! Even so, the catmint and catnip names often get used interchangeably as though they referred to a single herb. Catmint is not a plant that is generally considered invasive according to Cornell University. A number of plants within the Nepeta genus are known as catnip or catmint. This is what cats love and what induces them to eat the leaves that give them a euphoric high. Catmint is a wonderful addition to any garden, regardless of whether you wish to make your garden feline-friendly or not. It is widely cultivated around the world for both its foliage and blue flowers. Thrips tend to favour dryer areas, and plants are typically more affected when they are stressed, e.g. It is also a natural way to help repel fleas. It should also be noted that not all species in the Nepeta genus are referred to as Catmint, there are species that are referred to as Catnip due to the effect the plant has on cats. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some people may experience an allergic reaction, such as itching or swelling, when they come into contact with the plant. For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. Location: In the Forest Territories, it was found at Snakerocks. You can also store catmint in the freezer by chopping the leaves and storing them in a freezer-safe bag.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stuffsure_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',183,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Catmint, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. Make sure to keep the seeds warm, moist, and fertilized. However, it can self-seed and occasionally pops up elsewhere in the landscape. The leaf and plants are still fine to use. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. It grows and flowers freely. The plant is tolerant of hot and dry conditions which makes these plants particularly suited to regions with long hot summers. Bloom occurs from late spring into fall, with the small tubular flowers attracting hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. To compare a range of different Catmint varieties click here. Gardening. It is a less potent relative of Catnip. form a strategic partnership called N.C. Is Catmint Invasive? 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. It also makes your garden more cat-friendly. Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, cutting the top leaves, stems, and flowers if desired. Professional Growing Information. How tall does catmint get?Size depends on the variety, with plants reaching 1 to 3 feet tall. This study of 72 patients with depression given Nepeta menthoides suggests it may have use as an anti-depressant. When to plant catmint?Plant catmint in the garden during the cooler months of spring or fall after all danger of frost is past. Given that it looks similar to mint and has mint in the name is actually edible like common mint? Pretty But Poisonous: Deadly Mushrooms To Avoid. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. The plant is characterized by its square stem, downy leaves, and lavender-colored flowers. I draw on numerous health sources, some of which are linked above. Manage Settings Ive seen it on occasion at our local nursery and at farm stands selling potted herbs. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Catmint species sold in garden centers typically include Nepeta faassenii, Nepeta grandiflora, or Nepeta racemosa, but there are many more catmint species around the world. If you are interested in purchasing one we recommend the iPower Heating Seed Starter Germination Kit which is shown in the picture below. It. Noted for its neat and tidy habit, Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' (Catmint) is a compact herbaceous perennial forming a dense, rounded clump of small, aromatic, gray-green leaves all season long. Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids. 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. Catmint is most often grown by seed or through division. Sign up for our newsletter. Named "Perennial of the Year" in 2007, and one of the most reknowned catnip plants, the subspecies of nepeta Walker's Low offers an abundance of lavender-blue flowers spiking above its gray green foliage from mid-May through late September. One of the reasons catnip and catmint are so often confused is that in many parts of the world the catnip plant (Nepeta cataria) is also called catmint. When planting them out it is advisable to mulch thickly around the base of the plant to avoid any chance of them drying out. Author Robbin Small - Published 7-14-2022. }, Cats Meow (Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. However, as catmint does not spread by seed it can be controlled with a minimum of fuss. This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. Is it the same thing or a different plant cats enjoy? 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). It can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the summer. tall, pinch them back to promote bushier growth. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. It is an extremely popular plant that is grown widely for its ornamental characteristics. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. What do you like to do with them? var pid = 'ca-pub-5625333199759946'; Catmint is a plant that is edible to humans, but it has some medical benefits. . I planted it in an out-of-view spot since I like using catnip in tea and then went and asked a neighbor to dig up a division of her pretty low-growing catmint to transplant to the front garden. Catmint is not toxic for humans or animals and does not need to be excluded from contact. Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, raw leaves are nice and crunchy with a slightly mucilaginous texture. You can also enjoy the mint leaves in the form of herbal teas and other cold beverages. During extreme heat or prolonged dry spells, water as needed. This will promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. Mass Planting. 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. This type can help ease nausea and stomach upset when given in small quantities. Whether you have a pet cat or not, having a catmint plant around will still benefit you immensely. This perennial plant originates in Europe and is found in the wild across the U.S and Canada. This use aligns with the Cherokee use of catnip as an abortifacient, so its probably best to avoid catnip in pregnancy. Please share in the comments! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Is catmint the same as catnip? 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. 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. Buy catmint plants Order perennials online and have them shipped right to your door. Catmint plays well with others. Ive been putting catnip leaves from the garden in my fresh herbal tea blends for years. For intense buzz of an acoustic nature, however, keep in mind catmint flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and bees. Cats like it OK, but they wont go crazy for it the way they do for catnip. How much sun does catmint need?For best flowering, catmint needs at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Seeds Now carries seeds for both catnip and catmint. This overview of pharmacological uses around the world also reports that members of the Nepeta genus contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other properties and have been used to treat malaria, chickenpox, tuberculosis, measles, as well as respiratory, digestive, and other complaints. "publisher": { "@type": "WebPage", } As weve covered earlier, catmint is certainly a useful herb to have around. Combine a dwarf variety in a container with creeping sedum, lantana and verbena. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. As you come across one of your favorite secret spots, Walk around clearings, forest roads, and even gravel driveways in fall, and you might just run across the orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Catmint ( Nepeta mussinii ) is an aromatic perennial herb that is best known for its clusters of lavender blue flowers, often with subtle touches of the gorgeous violet color. Even herbalists writing about these two plants often conflate them or use common names for the plants that dont distinguish between them. Overfertilizing can cause fewer flowers or plants to flop. Propagate it by division or seed. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. 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. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. Required fields are marked *. It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. 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. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. } Catmint is not toxic to children. Commonly known as the roly poly, sow bug or pill bug, the wood louse is one of only a few types of terrestrial crustaceans. Catmint can act as a diuretic in the body and should be used with caution by those taking lithium. Watering: Provide regular water during the first growing season. Catmint also has a diuretic effect, this induces sweating and increases urination frequency. Additionally, the young leaves are used as seasoning and garnishes in places like France. The small white or pale lavender blooms make a good substitute for baby's breath. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. Start, How to Make Vinegar from Scratch {Homemade Vinegar 2 Ways}, 35+ Best Spinach Companion Plants {Plus 2 to Avoid} . 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. It rapidly forms a clump 18 to 24 inches tall and spreading as much as 36 inches wide that blooms from spring into summer. You can likely get both catnip and catmint from neighbors, one of the many ways to get plants free. Sometimes catnip is called catmint and vice versa. Caution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they can be aggressive growers. It said Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible to cats. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. Nepeta grandiflora is related to true catnip (Nepeta cataria), but the leaves are lusher and the flowers are purple instead of white/pink. For most species, these flowers are produced in late spring and early summer and usually last for several months. Scientifically speaking, catnip tastes like ass. Contrary to how the name sounds, this type of mint isn't made from cats. Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Catmint is found in gardens and is favored not only for its visual appeal but also for its herbal properties. Spearmint is found in many pet products to help reduce bad breath. Frequent harvest also helps prevent the aggressive spread of catnip plants. Stomach upset and temporary vomiting is the most common symptom. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Catmint is characterized by its gray-green leaves and lilac-colored flowers. ins.style.display = 'block'; Catnip has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape. Seller with a 100% positive feedback. Lastly, catmint has mild sedative effects, so avoid consumption before driving and two weeks before any scheduled surgery. 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. "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"], This occasional bit of maintenance is far outweighed by the advantages it brings to the garden. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. Click on the link to see the current price on Amazon. Catmint is a close relative of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats. 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. Dig around the plant clump with a shovel or spade. For containers, use a high quality all-purpose potting mix. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America. Large amounts of Catmint need to be eaten for a dog to have much of a reaction. 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. Updated April 2022. Edibility and culinary use of Catmint Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. 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. The active compound in catnip is nepetalactone. A nursery in England would eventually offer it for sale in the late 1980s. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. However, if your pet consumes too much, it can cause kidney and liver problems. There are over 200 plants in the Nepeta genus. It features a vented dome which helps to main humid conditions. 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. 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. The seeds should be planted at a depth of around 0.5 inches (1 to 2 cm) into trays containing seed raising mix. The genus of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though its precise origin is not known. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a soothing herbal tea with a mild minty taste and a sweet fragrance. Her first book, Everything Elderberry, released in September 2020 and has been a #1 new release in holistic medicine, naturopathy, herb gardening, and other categories. Will I start having stray cats in my yard if I decide to plant cat mint? Unlike its close relative catnip (both are members of the mint family), catmint is better behaved and much showier. Additional catnip vs catmint photo credits: w-ings, ikuyan. Catmint is Nepeta faassenii; catnip is Nepeta cataria. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. [CDATA[ The leaves and shoots can be added to soups and sauces. Identifying catnip vs catmint is easy once you get familiar with the two plants. In terms of soil conditions, the plant will tolerate a wide range of different soils but ideally, they prefer rich moist soil that are well-drained. According to old stories about catmint, cats will only attempt to eat bruised or otherwise damaged plants. The leaves can also be steeped to make an herbal tea.var cid = '8595788972'; 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! It is sometimes used as a spice in cooking or as a tea. Do you grow catmint or catnip? Some claim that both catnip and catmint can be used medicinally, though documented herbal uses of catmint are extremely scarce. 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. Need some simple, practical solutions for living healthier and greener? This type is most suitable for cat-friendly gardens. Nepeta plants were brought to North America by the European colonists. Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? 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. Hang these bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. The plant is known for its fragrant leaves, which can be used to flavor food or make a tea. After initial flowering, shear plants as needed to encourage a bushier habit and rebloom later in the growing season. "datePublished": "2022-07-14", It is improving yearly as ever more varieties come on sale. 'Cat's Meow' Nepeta faassenii USPP 24,472, Can 5,098. Catmint is a hardy perennial that grows and blooms throughout USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-9. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. Is Catnip Edible For Humans?
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