Catmint is definitely not poisonous for cats. Plant a low-growing variety along a rock wall, allowing it to spill over the edge. Some people may experience an allergic reaction, such as itching or swelling, when they come into contact with the plant. It is sometimes used as a spice in cooking or as a tea. Cat lovers who also love to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can get a little confusing. Tea made from the leaves and flowers can be used for calming nerves and relieving coughs, congestion, and menstrual cramps. Additionally it self seeds relatively easily making it extremely easy to propagate as new plants can be dug up and moved every season. It produces blue flowers and typically reaches 2 feet in height. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its shy yet intoxicating flowers and gray-green leaves. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Given the choice between herbs and grass, however, cats are more likely . "headline": "Is Catmint Poisonous", Buy catmint plants Order perennials online and have them shipped right to your door. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Nepeta has slightly aromatic gray-green foliage with a delicate, lacy appearance. Catnip has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. 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. Cats Pajamas (Nepeta hybrid) is a dwarf variety with brilliant indigo-blue flowers along the entire length of the stems. Over time, deer can become used to the smell of repellents; consider rotating brands and types to maintain effectiveness. var alS = 1021 % 1000; Is catmint edible?The minty flavored leaves of catmint are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have various health benefits. However, if your pet consumes too much, it can cause kidney and liver problems. If you are interested in purchasing one we recommend the iPower Heating Seed Starter Germination Kit which is shown in the picture below. 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. However, it does spread within your garden over time and does need to be controlled to some degree. Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. }, 12 Uses for Lemon Balm, a Delicious Medicinal Herb. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. 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. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. It was considered a stimulant and able to make gentle people fierce. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems though it can be a bit weedy. Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) . Pin to save this info on catnip vs catmint & health benefits of catnip for later! It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. C and vitamins A and K. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. Catnip flowers are typically white. ORGANIC Catmint Plant Seeds / 400 count - Grown in the U.S.A. $20.00. form a strategic partnership called N.C. 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. Patricia Taylor discovered the Walkers Low cultivar of catmint in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to England. Do you grow catmint or catnip? Commonly known as the roly poly, sow bug or pill bug, the wood louse is one of only a few types of terrestrial crustaceans. When flowers begin to fade, shear them off to encourage new growth and another wave of flowering. How and When to Plant Catmint In the spring, plant catmint plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety, in moist soil. But is it invasive like mint and will it take over the garden? Culinary herbalists typically use it in sauces, teas, salads and soups. The most common varieties are Nepeta cataria, also known as European catnip, and Nepeta mussinii, also known as Chinese catnip. Catmint, also known as Nepeta cataria is a herb that is part of the mint family. Species in this genus can be traced to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and many have naturalized in North . Yes, catmint is edible! Catmint 'Purrsian Blue', Garden Caminth 'Purrsian Blue', PP24788. 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. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Heres what it looks like in flower: If its sold at all, you might find the less attractive catnip plant with the culinary herbs. 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. In a shadier location, the plant will produce significantly fewer flowers but will still produce dense foliage. Im speaking from experience. Flowers and leaves are both edible. Catmint originated in Temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa. container.appendChild(ins); 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 is native to Europe and Asia, and has naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America. The active compound in catnip is nepetalactone. Catmint is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. What do you like to do with them? It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. You can get catnip at Amazon as well, though it costs more. The reason for this is that the division at that time will not interrupt the flowering of the plant. 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 (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. Use a low-growing catmint variety as an edging plant along a pathway for color all summer long. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. . It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. Many people wonder what is the difference between catnip and catmint. Lavender or Catmint What Makes the Perfect Purple Edge? 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. However, the catmint will still do very well in lower quality soil, it is generally quite hardy and drought-resistant. Lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus) is a tender perennial native to tropical areas of East Asia (Zones 9-11) that grows to form a large clump up to 3 feet tall in hot and humid summers. Mulch your soil regularly to help keep the moisture retained. Catmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. Irrespective of the cultivar you select the catmint will progressively spread over time this provides an opportunity to propagate the plant by division. Catmint is a plant that is edible to humans, but it has some medical benefits. { }, Fertilizing: Catmint does best with little or no supplemental fertilizer. Is catmint invasive?Catmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. More about me and my green projects here. Identifying catnip vs catmint is easy once you get familiar with the two plants. That said, in large quantities, this . Visit our sister site PepperScale. Plants grow into a broad spreading mound, making this a good choice for mass plantings, containers and border edging. At this stage, the plants will have typically reached a height of 4 inches or so. Overcrowded plants can lead to powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially in hot, humid climates. The leaves and flowers are safe for humans to eat, but the stems and roots are not.If youre looking to add a little flavor to your salads or other dishes, catmint leaves make a great addition. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. As for the soil, catnip loves sandy soil and clay soil thats somewhat moist and well-drained. Its among many rhubarb companion plants to explore. Some people drink catnip tea to relieve digestive problems, but some people may not tolerate it well. 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. Catmint is excellent for attracting pollinators to a garden and gardeners often plant it for this purpose. Catmint, Nepetafaassenii, is a popular plant in the cottage garden. Catnip Plant Varieties: Growing Different Species Of Nepeta, Catmint Companion Plants: Tips On Planting Next To Catmint Herbs, Best Trees For Carbon Sequestration And Climate Change, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, How To Get Aloe Pups: Reasons For No Pups On Aloe Plants, Can You Grow Houseplants Together Tips For Growing Companion Houseplants, Fruit Tree Lichen And Moss Is Moss On A Fruit Tree Bad, Grapevine Wont Produce: How To Get Grapes On Vines, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. . Most gardeners sow seeds in spring as it allows the plant to become established throughout the growing season before the cold weather arrives. "url": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/344x56/new_plant_addicts_logo_1649688464__46914.original.png" It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So confusing! Stop drinking catnip tea if it continues to cause an upset stomach after a few uses. The seedlings will take 6 to 8 weeks to reach a sufficiently large size to allow them to be planted out into the garden. Eurasia, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, Herbal teas from leaves. Even herbalists writing about these two plants often conflate them or use common names for the plants that dont distinguish between them. Catmint can be propagated by seed, divisions, or cuttings. Before Romes rise, the country of Etruria was the center of Etruscan civilization. However, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms. Companion Planting Companion planting, sometimes called intercropping, can be used to deter pests and improve yields. You can likely get both catnip and catmint from neighbors, one of the many ways to get plants free. Some people report that their cats show some interest in catmint. No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. It produces aromatic gray-green foliage and upright flower spikes in shades of lavender-blue, pink or white. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Follow on, HealthyGreenSavvy is all about shortcuts to a healthier, greener life. Order mixed annual combinations ready to plant in your containers. Follow these steps and space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. However, there are also some low-growing varieties that only reach a height of 1 ft (30 cm) and also a couple of varieties that reach 4 ft. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. This perennial herb is known to induce a mild euphoria in animals, especially cats. It is widely cultivated around the world for both its foliage and blue flowers. 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. Grow . Make sure to keep the seeds warm, moist, and fertilized. Remove the catmint plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound. The whole wild violet plant is edible. Combine a dwarf variety in a container with creeping sedum, lantana and verbena. "@type": "WebPage", It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. wide., An exquisite new catmint variety with long-lasting clusters of vibrant lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage. 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. 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! 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And our partners may process your data as a part of the many to... Sure to keep the moisture retained moist, and Africa, herbal teas from leaves in Holland in right! Up and moved every season animals, especially cats reaches 2 feet in height Nepeta nepetella Pajamas ( cataria., but some people report that their cats show some interest in catmint needles are, Chanterelles are among most. Get plants free soil regularly to help keep the seeds warm, moist, and nepetella. But will still produce dense foliage, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa reaction, as. Partners may process your data as a spice in cooking or as a part of world! Will it take over the edge another wave of is catmint edible symptoms, Other... Digestive symptoms of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent congestion, and Nepeta nepetella and Macaronesia Eastern! Reason for this purpose and somewhat invasive in the picture below a and K. Minerals catmint. 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