Calamintha nepeta
| Lesser calamint | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Calamintha |
| Species: | C. nepeta |
| Binomial name | |
| Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi | |
Calamintha nepeta, known as lesser calamint,[1] is a perennial herb of the Mint family.
Description
Lesser calamint is a perennial shrub, forming a compact mound of shiny, green oregano-like leaves. The flowers are lavender pink. The plant reaches a height of 18 inches.[2] The lesser calamint smells like a cross between mint and oregano. It attracts honeybees and butterflies.[3] Lesser calamint usually grows in the Summer, and well into the Fall. It can become dormant in the winter months, then reblossom in spring. In fall, the flowers fall to the ground and will self-seed. Seedlings will flower in late August.[3] Lesser calamint often grows wild, but can also kept in pots. The average life expectancy of a Lesser Calamint plant is 3–4 years. It is susceptible to powdery mildew.[3]
Uses
Lesser calamint is used in borders. It is also as a spice in the Italian cuisine where it is called mentuccia, nipitella or nepitella.
References
- ↑ "BSBI List 2007" (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original on 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
- ↑ http://www.crimson-sage.com/shop/?cart=517047&cat=1&itemid=100157&
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/calamintha-nepeta-nepetoides-lesser-calamint.aspx
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