Insomnia and anxiety: Gently sedative. I can answer the catnip part Faassens catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesnt require deadheading. It produces aromatic gray-green foliage and upright flower spikes in shades of lavender-blue, pink or white. Updated April 2022. How and When to Plant Catmint In the spring, plant catmint plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety, in moist soil. No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. Catnip flowers are typically white. HealthyGreenSavvy is committed to protecting your privacy. This use aligns with the Cherokee use of catnip as an abortifacient, so its probably best to avoid catnip in pregnancy. These plants can handle a variety of tricky soil situations, so as long as you have sun, you can probably grow catmint. Ideally, you should plant catmint in a sunny location, but it can also tolerate partial shade. } container.appendChild(ins); It survives great heat. In fact, rich soil may sometimes cause the plant to split in the middle. Yes, catmint is edible! Catmint is easy to propagate by division. Catmint is a wonderful addition to any garden, regardless of whether you wish to make your garden feline-friendly or not. Related: Lavender or Catmint What Makes the Perfect Purple Edge? Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It even has a mild sedative effect which can relieve insomnia and allow you to sleep better. Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids. Overcrowded plants can lead to powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially in hot, humid climates. Eurasia, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, Herbal teas from leaves. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Edibility and culinary use of Catmint This plant is edible and it . "@type": "", Check out these savvy ways to save money on healthy products you can find online. They wont go as crazy for catmint as they would for catnip. The plants should be spaced approximately 1 ft (30 cm) apart to allow room for the catmint to grow. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers. Catnip, sometimes also called catmint or field balm, is a plant in the mint family. Nepeta grandiflora is related to true catnip (Nepeta cataria), but the leaves are lusher and the flowers are purple instead of white/pink. When growing Catmint from seeds it is best to start them off in early spring in seed trays. They are commonly used as a lettuce substitute in salads and sandwiches. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems though it can be a bit weedy. 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 is also has a similar cold tolerance to Siberian catmint. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Catmint could also help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too. Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. The leaves can also be cooked and used as a flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or meat dishes. Fall, Spring, Summer. N.C. He developed the earliest hybrids in the Nepeta genus. If you want to harvest catmint for its leaves, wait until the plant is well-established (after 2-3 years) and has produce a large amount of foliage. 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! Stomach upset and temporary vomiting is the most common symptom. 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.. Catmint - The Ultimate Growing Guide from Proven Winners. It is commonly used on the edges of a border and also makes an excellent groundcover due to its thick matted root system which smoothers any competition from weeds. A reliable long-lived perennial, catmint (Nepeta) is a member of the mint family. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Need some simple, practical solutions for living healthier and greener? 'Early Bird' Flowers/Leaves - March 28 - Wake Co., NC. The small white or pale lavender blooms make a good substitute for baby's breath. Species in this genus can be traced to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and many have naturalized in North . You can get catnip at Amazon as well, though it costs more. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. Catmint is an edible plant that is most commonly used as a medicinal herbal tea rather than being eaten directly. Large amounts of Catmint need to be eaten for a dog to have much of a reaction. tall and 18 to 30 in. 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. Shop all vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers & more! Required fields are marked *. 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. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its Caitlin Burke. An oil derived from catnip rich in nepetalactone has been found to be effective for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Catmint is also attractive to bees and other pollinators. "logo": { It is a less potent relative of Catnip. Especially tricky is catnip vs. catmint. However, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms. Suitable for small spaces, containers, or as edging along pathways, borders and beds. Heres what to know about catnip vs catmint and which herb to use for medicinal benefits. Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Catmint is prized for its toughness and drought-tolerance. 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. Sign up for our newsletter. 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. Catmint is not toxic to children. Probably not. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. 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. This study looked at a combination of lemon balm and Nepeta menthoides and found it helped with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Over time, deer can become used to the smell of repellents; consider rotating brands and types to maintain effectiveness. 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'). To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Caution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they can be aggressive growers. Most often cats will lay on Catmint and roll around in it a bit. It is improving yearly as ever more varieties come on sale. Sometimes catnip is called catmint and vice versa. A number of plants within the Nepeta genus are known as catnip or catmint. . The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. Flowers are usually white, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. 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. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. It has a very slight numbing effect on the tongue. In general, you can grow catnip just about anywhere, with the exception of soil that is too boggy or plots that receive too little light. 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. Given that it looks similar to mint and has mint in the name is actually edible like common mint? To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. Heres more on catmint cultivars and growing tips. The deer are repelled by the smell and the leaf texture. 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? 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. The plant is also quite tolerant of cold conditions and is hardy down to zone 3 in most cases. 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. The plant blooms from June to September.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stuffsure_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',181,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-banner-1-0'); Catmint is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Cats Meow (Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats arent the only ones who can enjoy catmint. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Its potential health benefits come from its active essential oil, nepetalactone. Once youre familiar with these traits, youll never have trouble telling the difference between catnip and catmint again. Hi! Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. If you go to purchase plants at a nursery, youll likely find at least one if not more kinds of catmint sold with the ornamental perennials, as its a very popular landscape plant. It was considered a stimulant and able to make gentle people fierce. It is sometimes used as a spice in cooking or as a tea. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. The catmint herb is easy to grow. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems . It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Both plants are fairly easy to grow. . Catmint is not only good news for cats. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Playing in an area with Catmint or eating small amounts of the plant will rarely cause a reaction. Siberian Catmint, Nepeta sibirica,is a variety that is more suited to cold locations, and will survive down to zone 3. Catmint is excellent for attracting pollinators to a garden and gardeners often plant it for this purpose. Im speaking from experience. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, cutting the top leaves, stems, and flowers if desired. Like catnip, catmint is edible. Some are grown as trees or shrubs, while others are purely decorative. or so apart. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, it can self-seed and occasionally pops up elsewhere in the landscape. Catmints flowers are usually purple, and the leaf shape and growth pattern differ from catnip, as you can see in the photos below. Catnip itself is perfectly safe for cats, but there are certain situations to avoid. Much like other herbal teas, catmint herbal tea can aid digestive problems such as upset stomachs, excessive gas, diarrhea, and nausea. Catnip is edible for humans, especially when made into tea. 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. This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, Keep up to date with the latest healthy living tips! I draw on numerous health sources, some of which are linked above. If you want to make your own, heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. You've come to the right place! 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 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. While basically considered the same plant as they share many of the same characteristics, there are differences between the two species. Make sure to keep the seeds warm, moist, and fertilized. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. Will catmint attract cats? Remove the catmint plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'adsensetype', 1); Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. To dry catnip, cut full stalks and dry in the sun. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. ins.style.display = 'block'; It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. The cultivar got its name for the owner of the garden in which Ms. Taylor discovered it. 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. In a shadier location, the plant will produce significantly fewer flowers but will still produce dense foliage. The genus of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though its precise origin is not known. Given the choice between herbs and grass, however, cats are more likely . It is drought tolerant once established. Perhaps its higher concentration of cat-attracting nepetalactone also explains catnips medicinal benefits for humans. Is catmint edible?The minty flavored leaves of catmint are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have various health benefits. Catmint can thrive in poor soil. In fact, soils with too many nutrients can cause the plant to split in the middle. Catmint is drought tolerant and thrives on neglect, making it good for beginning gardeners, low-maintenance landscapes and water-wise borders. Learn how your comment data is processed. [CDATA[ Catmint prefers a location that gets at least 8 hours of sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consuming catmint. If they are planted early enough in the season it is likely that they will flower in the first season. If you suspect that your child has eaten a large amount of Catmint, contact your doctor for information on a treatment plan. More about me and my green projects here. Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache, respectively. This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. //
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