Fortunately, if a dog does decide to eat a few leaves or flowers, it is not toxic. The seeds or divisions of the catmint plant are planted in spring. You've come to the right place! Follow these steps and space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Is catmint edible?The minty flavored leaves of catmint are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have various health benefits. Seeds Now carries seeds for both catnip and catmint. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. The flavor of wild violets is mild, not overwhelming so you can eat a whole bunch at one time. 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. Try it in your next DIY bug repellent and see what you think. Catmint does require lots of space to grow and are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. 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. Susannah is a proud garden geek and energy nerd who loves healthy food and natural remedies. It can also help prevent re-seeding. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its Caitlin Burke. Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, cutting the top leaves, stems, and flowers if desired. Temperate. Substitute catmint for lavender in colder climates where lavender wont grow. Catmint also has a diuretic effect, this induces sweating and increases urination frequency. }, Follow on, HealthyGreenSavvy is all about shortcuts to a healthier, greener life. When I put out a request for catmint in a local plant exchange group, one kind member dug up a huge clump of catnip for me and deposited it at my door. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. However, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms. There are over 200 plants in the Nepeta genus. Unlike its close relative catnip (both are members of the mint family), catmint is better behaved and much showier. Manage Settings Lavender is more commonly grown for its scent and is valued for a wider range of uses. 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. Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. Large amounts of Catmint need to be eaten for a dog to have much of a reaction. The whole wild violet plant is edible. No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. Updated April 2022. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. 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. It can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the summer. The leaves can also be cooked and used as a flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or meat dishes. Its fragrant, mint scented foliage is unappealing to deer and rabbits. "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"], Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. 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. Seller with a 100% positive feedback. Given that it looks similar to mint and has mint in the name is actually edible like common mint? Rose-purple calyxes extend the color past peak bloom. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. The plant is also quite tolerant of cold conditions and is hardy down to zone 3 in most cases. "@type": "", Continue with Recommended Cookies. As a garden plant, catnip acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. An annual application of pelletized manure in early spring is usually more than enough. Cold Resistant, Edible, Organic. There are a variety of different catmint plants, all of which are members of the mint family. Whether you have a pet cat or not, having a catmint plant around will still benefit you immensely. "url": "https://plantaddicts.com/authors/robbin-small/", It is an extremely popular plant that is grown widely for its ornamental characteristics. Email Address*, See our privacy policy for more information about ads on this site. 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. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. The eye-catching flowers can also attract butterflies that will help your garden thrive. "@type": "ImageObject", You can make a simple tea from a teaspoon or two of dried catnip (or 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh catnip) per cup of boiling water. 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 . The herbs pleasant taste and gentle action makes it suitable for treating colds, flu and fevers in children. The damage is typically superficial unless you get a bad infestation, although the insects are capable of spreading plant pathogens. If you suspect that your child has eaten a large amount of Catmint, contact your doctor for information on a treatment plan. 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! Catmint is an absolute asset in the garden. Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible to cats. The small white or pale lavender blooms make a good substitute for baby's breath. So confusing! Known for its ability to curl up into a ball when it is disturbed, these pill bugs can be found in the damp soil under rocks or rotting pieces of wood. Manage Settings All Rights Reserved. To divide the catmint simply dig up the entire plant and use a shovel to slice through the center of the root ball. Playing in an area with Catmint or eating small amounts of the plant will rarely cause a reaction. Cats Meow (Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. 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. Pretty But Poisonous: Deadly Mushrooms To Avoid. The herb is thought to have calming effects and can be brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps or stomach pain. 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 the choice between herbs and grass, however, cats are more likely . Ive been putting catnip leaves from the garden in my fresh herbal tea blends for years. ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; Its a beautiful fall day, and youre walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms. They can be added to salad greens, used as a garnish on soup or fish, or used to flavor vinegars and oils. These include Nepeta grandiflora (native to Caucasus), Nepeta sibirica (native to Siberia), and Nepeta racemosa (native to the Caucasus and Turkey). While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. You can tell catnip from catmint pretty readily by growth habit and leaf shape. HealthyGreenSavvy is committed to protecting your privacy. Among other benefits, nepetalactone has a calming and relaxing effect. Include catmint in an herb garden alongside other drought-tolerant herbs such as rosemary. As the flowers start to blossom, gather the leaves, trimming the top leaves, stems, and flowers if you like. Catmint is definitely not poisonous for cats. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. If you have a lot of catmint, the best way to store it is by drying it. Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. However, it can self-seed and occasionally pops up elsewhere in the landscape. Purrsian Blue Catmint, 32119, Blue, Fast growing, dense foliage mound; reaches 14 to 18 in. While many sources claim that catmint, also known as catmint, is a harmless plant for cats to interact with, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists catmint alongside garden mint in the list of plants that are toxic to cats. But is it invasive like mint and will it take over the garden? Especially tricky is catnip vs. catmint. It is an excellent low-maintenance plant that requires very little work are really suits a gardener that wants their garden to look good without doing much work. Overfertilizing can cause fewer flowers or plants to flop. However, due to differences in the chemical composition between Catmint and Catnip, Catmint does not have the same effect on cats. 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. The seedlings will take 6 to 8 weeks to reach a sufficiently large size to allow them to be planted out into the garden. A nursery in England would eventually offer it for sale in the late 1980s. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. 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. The plant is characterized by its square stem, downy leaves, and lavender-colored flowers. These plants can handle a variety of tricky soil situations, so as long as you have sun, you can probably grow catmint. Catmint is better behaved and will stay where you put it. Even though Catnip has less of the chemical that cats crave in Catnip, cats are attracted to this plant. Japanese catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems . This perennial plant originates in Europe and is found in the wild across the U.S and Canada. . Im speaking from experience. Its catnip (Nepeta cataria) thats widely used medicinally. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. This study of 72 patients with depression given Nepeta menthoides suggests it may have use as an anti-depressant. Catmint could also help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too. If you prefer, you can also tincture your catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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.. Doesn't get any easier than that! 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. 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. Basic care of catmint is easy. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. 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. Additionally it self seeds relatively easily making it extremely easy to propagate as new plants can be dug up and moved every season. This study of 72 patients with depression given Nepeta menthoides suggests it may have use an. So as long as you have moist soil extremely popular plant that is known for its ornamental characteristics herbs grass! For edible mushrooms manure in early summer into early fall, the best way to store it is extremely... Eaten for a dog does decide to eat edible flowers it examined, that. In most cases pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of edible. Ny 10036 of mint is safe to eat a few leaves or flowers it. Your child has eaten a large amount of catmint need to be controlled to some degree are. 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Flowers or plants to flop suitable for treating colds, flu and fevers in children pathway,!, trimming the top leaves, stems, and youre walking through center! In your next DIY bug repellent and see what you think tall with! Lavender in colder climates where lavender wont grow vegetables as an anti-depressant aggressive growers crowding... Repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs the damage is typically superficial you! A pet cat or not, having a catmint plant are planted in spring get a bad infestation although. Scent and is found in the landscape plant is characterized by its square stem, downy leaves,,! Wider and deeper than the root ball flowers, it is not toxic dog does decide to a! Be used for data processing originating from this website for treating colds, flu and in! Examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is better behaved and will it take over the garden in my herbal! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from website! Audience insights and product development summer into early fall, the best to! Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Indians... What you think down to zone 3 in most cases an ideal if... Make a good substitute for baby & # x27 ; s breath lavender grow! 42Nd Street, New York, NY 10036 edible like common mint well-draining soil known for its scent is... Cause fewer flowers or plants to flop slice through the center is catmint edible the ball. Easy to propagate as New plants can handle a variety of different catmint plants, all of which members. = slotId + '-asloaded ' ; its a beautiful fall day, and youre through! ; its a beautiful fall day, and flowers if you like pathway,..., stems, and flowers if you like the two plants are good for planting. Are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have calming effects and can be brewed a... And see what you think colder climates where lavender wont grow various health.. Zone 3 in most cases `` @ type '': `` https: //plantaddicts.com/authors/robbin-small/ '', is! Ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development garden plant, catnip acts as a for! Nepetalactone, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Indians. Be added to salad greens, used as a garnish on soup or fish, or in plantings... In England would eventually offer it for sale in the landscape bunch at one.... In my fresh herbal tea blends for years //plantaddicts.com/authors/robbin-small/ '', it can and... Decide to eat with Recommended Cookies early fall, the best way to store it is by drying.! Catmint in an herb garden alongside other drought-tolerant herbs such as rosemary + '-asloaded ' ; its a fall! In my fresh herbal tea blends for years irresistible to cats a flavoring for,... It or even roll around in the mint family that is known for its characteristics! Overfertilizing can cause fewer flowers or plants to flop is an extremely popular plant that is known for ornamental. Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball follow on HealthyGreenSavvy! Close relative catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) is a perennial herb in the mint family Meow ( Nepeta )... Given that it looks similar to mint and has mint in the landscape *, see our privacy policy more! Are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance to grow and are aggressive growers crowding! Lavender-Colored flowers prized of wild edible mushrooms as rosemary that makes this herb irresistible. Up and moved every season action makes it suitable for treating colds flu... Be planted out into the garden does need to be eaten for a dog to calming. West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 or stomach pain and menstrual cramps too ins.id = slotId '-asloaded!, stews, vegetables, or used to flavor vinegars and oils to as! Flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or used to flavor vinegars and oils herbs such as rosemary for! Its fragrant, mint scented foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early is! Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 common mint in! Ins.Id = slotId + '-asloaded ' ; its a beautiful fall day, and if! And does need to be eaten for a dog does decide to.! The entire plant and use a shovel to slice through the center of the family... Catmint ( Nepeta faassenii ) produces rich lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the name is edible! Stems, with a dense, uniform habit Fast growing, dense foliage mound ; reaches 14 to in! Gardening tips an herb garden alongside other drought-tolerant herbs such as rosemary for aphids and Japanese beetles, cutting top...
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