Can you drink catmint tea? Edibility and culinary use of Catmint Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. 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. Spearmint is found in many pet products to help reduce bad breath. Water well. 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. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. They grow dense foliage and will compete and also raise the humidity of the garden, which may lead to mildew or fungus. 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. Description. Lastly, it has anti-inflammatory effects, so it can also be used to treat arthritis, hemorrhoids, and bug bites. Catmint is Nepeta faassenii; catnip is Nepeta cataria. Editors note: This article was originally published in May 2019. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, stomachaches, and anxiety. N.C. Catmint flowers are lavender. 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. 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). Get more practical ways to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your inbox! Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its shy yet intoxicating flowers and gray-green leaves. The plant may need the occasional water in dry period and a trim at the end of the season to tidy up plant, however, this is entirely optional. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. 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. Is catmint invasive?Catmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats arent the only ones who can enjoy catmint. 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. { This study of 72 patients with depression given Nepeta menthoides suggests it may have use as an anti-depressant. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It said Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible to cats. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Typically Catmint is so bushy and full that deer browsing will not be noticable. However, due to differences in the chemical composition between Catmint and Catnip, Catmint does not have the same effect on cats. The cultivar got its name for the owner of the garden in which Ms. Taylor discovered it. Heres how to tell spruce vs fir vs pine if youre curious.). Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) . After initial flowering, shear plants as needed to encourage a bushier habit and rebloom later in the growing season. Catmints flowers are usually purple, and the leaf shape and growth pattern differ from catnip, as you can see in the photos below. 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. Catmint is rich in Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins: Like many in the mint family, catmint is an excellent source of vit. 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 . An oil derived from catnip rich in nepetalactone has been found to be effective for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Lets start with a little clarification, since catnip and catmint are so often confused. Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids. Catmint could also help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too. Dig around the plant clump with a shovel or spade. Catmint prefers a location that gets at least 8 hours of sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. 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 a close relative of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. They can be added to salad greens, used as a garnish on soup or fish, or used to flavor vinegars and oils. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Please consult a licensed professional concerning any health condition. The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. You may be . Aside from being a lovely ornamental plant, it can also help your garden thrive by attracting butterflies and repelling pests. Nepetalactone also repels insects, so its not bad to have around the house. . It came to be called catmint owing to having a strong scent that cats find attractive. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Required fields are marked *. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? When flowers begin to fade, shear them off to encourage new growth and another wave of flowering. Contact your veterinarian for further treatment if you suspect your dog has eaten large amounts of Catmint. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. When establishing the plants from seed they can be sown directly into the garden however my personal preference is to sow them in seed trays as it allows me to have greater control over the growing conditions. Visit our sister site PepperScale. Like catnip, catmint is edible. The small, oval leaves are grey-green in color and have a strong minty scent. Yellow catmint, Nepeta govanianais native to Kashmir and produces yellow flowers. Heres what it looks like in flower: If its sold at all, you might find the less attractive catnip plant with the culinary herbs. Ground Cinnamon Vs. Cinnamon Stick How Do They Compare. Some are grown as trees or shrubs, while others are purely decorative. Some catnip-related products, toys, and situations can be dangerous if used improperly. 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. Apparently catmint is also ok for human consumption and is used in cooking sometimes but I haven't read . The herb is thought to have calming effects and can be brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps or stomach pain. Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. Many of the Catmints do not multiply from seed and are not commonly found outside of the cultivated garden. It is also has a similar cold tolerance to Siberian catmint. The genus of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though its precise origin is not known. Perhaps its higher concentration of cat-attracting nepetalactone also explains catnips medicinal benefits for humans. Siberian Catmint, Nepeta sibirica,is a variety that is more suited to cold locations, and will survive down to zone 3. Several Native American tribes embraced the herb for its medicinal benefits. Ideally, you should plant catmint in a sunny location, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Cats get frisky when they eat this plant yet humans find it relaxing. Harvest the plant frequently to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from setting seed too early. Catmint is part of the mint family and there are several species that are native to different countries and continents. 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). For instance, peppermint and spearmint . This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. Once the Catmint gets going you will find that the plant does is a good job of smoothing any competing weeds. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Hang these bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Is catmint edible?The minty flavored leaves of catmint are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have various health benefits. While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. Additional catnip vs catmint photo credits: w-ings, ikuyan. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Is catmint edible? Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Some claim that both catnip and catmint can be used medicinally, though documented herbal uses of catmint are extremely scarce. If you want to make your own, heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy. Given the choice between herbs and grass, however, cats are more likely . "@type": "ImageObject", 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. Catmint - The Ultimate Growing Guide from Proven Winners. var pid = 'ca-pub-5625333199759946'; form a strategic partnership called N.C. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. As for the soil, catnip loves sandy soil and clay soil thats somewhat moist and well-drained. 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. Catmint is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. "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"], Catmint is definitely not poisonous for cats. Catmint has long been used as a culinary herb, and its leaves can be used fresh or dried. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Therefore, surround it with a border edging or use containers (bottomless if in garden). Nepeta cataria is indeed edible for humans. For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. 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. In terms of size, most varieties are 2 to 3 ft tall and about 1 to 2 ft wide. This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. This perennial plant originates in Europe and is found in the wild across the U.S and Canada. The leaves can also be steeped to make an herbal tea.var cid = '8595788972'; The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make tea. Her work has appeared in Mother Earth Living, Ensia, Northern Gardener, Sierra, and on numerous websites. Catmint is better behaved and will stay where you put it. You can get catnip at Amazon as well, though it costs more. 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