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. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. If you want to make your own, heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy. But i have one question.. How can it help against menstrual pain but is at the same time not advised to take during menstruation. Before Romes rise, the country of Etruria was the center of Etruscan civilization. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. Cold Resistant, Edible, Organic. Is Catmint Invasive? Substitute catmint for lavender in colder climates where lavender wont grow. The herb is thought to have calming effects and can be brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps or stomach pain. But is it invasive like mint and will it take over the garden? Manage Settings We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. As a garden plant, catnip acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. The best way to tell if it's edible is by seeing how it smells. Catmint is a wonderful addition to any garden, regardless of whether you wish to make your garden feline-friendly or not. Finally, catmint won't stimulate cats in the same way as catnip does. The active compound in catnip is nepetalactone. Once the leaves are dry, strip them from the stems and store in an airtight container. It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. The catmint herb is easy to grow. The herbs pleasant taste and gentle action makes it suitable for treating colds, flu and fevers in children. The leaves can be added to salads, soups, or stews for flavor. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Meanwhile, older leaves can be used as a potherb in cooked dishes. Japanese catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil. . Catmint has long been used as a culinary herb, and its leaves can be used fresh or dried. The plant produces a mass of flowers that are most commonly purple but there are also varieties that have pink, white, and yellow flowers. Need some simple, practical solutions for living healthier and greener? The whole wild violet plant is edible. There are over 200 plants in the Nepeta genus. According to Plan Your Patch, catmint is rarely consumed raw instead, it is typically steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. So confusing! This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Alternatively, you can also eat young cat mints leaves. The plant will spread but is not difficult to control. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Once the Catmint gets going you will find that the plant does is a good job of smoothing any competing weeds. Catmint is an edible plant that is most commonly used as a medicinal herbal tea rather than being eaten directly. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. "mainEntityOfPage": { If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. I dont really mind finding catnip in new spots around my edible landscape, so I just harvest more for my tea. 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. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. It is a drought-tolerant plant that produces attractive foliage and blue flowers throughout the summer. While basically considered the same plant as they share many of the same characteristics, there are differences between the two species. Sometimes catnip is called catmint and vice versa. Catmint vs. The deer are repelled by the smell and the leaf texture. Catmint is Nepeta faassenii; catnip is Nepeta cataria. ORGANIC Catmint Plant Seeds / 400 count - Grown in the U.S.A. $20.00. However, the catmint will still do very well in lower quality soil, it is generally quite hardy and drought-resistant. Cats get frisky when they eat this plant yet humans find it relaxing. For containers, use a high quality all-purpose potting mix. But a few may be lethal if consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, The days grow shorter, and the weather chillier. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Catnip is also considered useful in companion planting. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. The plant segments can then be placed in the desired location and watered in well. Your email address will not be published. Plant catmint alongside other plants with similar cultural needs of full sun and good drainage. The one drawback with catnip is that some varieties can be aggressive spreaders and quickly take over large parts of the garden. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its shy yet intoxicating flowers and gray-green leaves. Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. Ive seen it on occasion at our local nursery and at farm stands selling potted herbs. The seeds or divisions of the catmint plant are planted in spring. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Overfertilizing can cause fewer flowers or plants to flop. Some people drink catnip tea to relieve digestive problems, but some people may not tolerate it well. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Its a beautiful fall day, and youre walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms. If you dont want your garden overrun with felines, plant catmint instead, which is much less attractive to them. It is important to note that Catmint is an extremely tough plant so you can completely hack the top of the plant off and it will come back the following year. Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; Thanks for the article. You can also enjoy the mint leaves in the form of herbal teas and other cold beverages. This is also believed to be the origin of its genus name, Nepeta. 'Early Bird' Flowers/Leaves - March 28 - Wake Co., NC. It grows and flowers freely. 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). They have a lovely minty flavor and a mild fragrance, making them a great aromatic addition to salads. At the same time, it will protect your garden from harmful insects like ants and flea beetles as well as other pests like rats and mice. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. Is catmint edible for humans? The minty-flavored leaves are edible. Consider planting low-growing Catmint around plants that attract deer browsing. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. 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. Im going to get my hands on some additional herbal medicine books and see if I can find anyone else confirming catmints rather than catnips edibility. wide., An exquisite new catmint variety with long-lasting clusters of vibrant lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage. Catmint can be propagated by seed, divisions, or cuttings. Nepeta grandiflora is related to true catnip (Nepeta cataria), but the leaves are lusher and the flowers are purple instead of white/pink. Traditional uses for catnip include: Native Americans used catnip for a range of uses including colds, headaches, and fevers, especially in children. Ditto for butterflies. For instance, peppermint and spearmint . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Want some super-simple ways to live healthier now? This only comes from ingesting large amounts of the leaves or stem. Please consult them for more information and a licensed professional for personalized recommendations. "dateModified": "2023-03-25" 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. It is a less potent relative of Catnip. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make tea. 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. What do you like to do with them? Hi, I'm Susannah, a garden geek, energy nerd, and fan of healthy food and natural remedies. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'plantaddicts_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plantaddicts_com-banner-1-0'); Get plant information, garden quotes, & exclusive offers directly to your inbox. If you want to grow your own catnip or catmint, you can get a free division from a friend or neighbor (just be sure its the plant you want! This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. 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. Dig around the plant clump with a shovel or spade. The leaves of the catmint plant have a minty, peppery flavor that can be used fresh or dried in a number of different dishes. They used it to treat muscle cramps and for immune system support. 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 . It is widely cultivated around the world for both its foliage and blue flowers. 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. Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. tall and 18 to 30 in. Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. Your email address will not be published. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. Mass Planting. Plants grow into a broad spreading mound, making this a good choice for mass plantings, containers and border edging. Additionally, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy. Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. }, The plant spreads rapidly by runners and can become invasive if not controlled. This hardy plant is drought-resistant, so you dont have to water them too often. Scientifically speaking, catnip tastes like ass. You also dont need to bother with fertilizer too much, just once or twice a year will do. Space each catmint plant at least 12" apart, but 18" is preferred. 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. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); Season of Interest. "publisher": { Additionally, I am a bit confused with the fact that catmint would be loved by cats, when it is actually catnip they love. The extra-long bloom time and ability to thrive in different growing conditions make catmint a versatile addition to any landscape. Catmint is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. He developed the earliest hybrids in the Nepeta genus. Cats like it OK, but they wont go crazy for it the way they do for catnip. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. Catmint can also be made into a tincture or compress to help with bruises or insect bites.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stuffsure_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'). If you prefer, you can also tincture your catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made. The leaves also have also been used in salads to add fragrance. Your email address will not be published. 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. It is also an edible herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Catmint is excellent for attracting pollinators to a garden and gardeners often plant it for this purpose. Perhaps its higher concentration of cat-attracting nepetalactone also explains catnips medicinal benefits for humans. However, if your pet consumes too much, it can cause kidney and liver problems. Even herbalists writing about these two plants often conflate them or use common names for the plants that dont distinguish between them. Mass a spreading type along a slope for easy-care, drought-tolerant erosion control. Contrary to how the name sounds, this type of mint isn't made from cats. One way to avoid any seed disturbance is to water the tray from below by the tray sitting it in water for a few minutes. The leaf and plants are still fine to use. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consuming catmint. . You can get catnip at Amazon as well, though it costs more. Make sure to keep the seeds warm, moist, and fertilized. Order mixed annual combinations ready to plant in your containers. An oil derived from catnip rich in nepetalactone has been found to be effective for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids. The plant is known for its fragrant leaves, which can be used to flavor food or make a tea. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. Once plants are a few inches (8 cm.) 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). 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. Soil: Catmint grows easily in most soil types, including rocky or clay soil. Suitable for small spaces, containers, or as edging along pathways, borders and beds. Catmint is an edible plant that is most commonly used as a medicinal herbal tea rather than being eaten directly. However, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There are a lot of wild mushrooms that are considered inedible and even toxic. The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. When planting them out it is advisable to mulch thickly around the base of the plant to avoid any chance of them drying out. Watering: Provide regular water during the first growing season. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. Especially tricky is catnip vs. catmint. "alumniOf": [{ It is called the Pet Poison Hotline, and their phone number is (855) 764-7661. 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