To keep the dried herb's effectiveness, spread it out to dry in a cool, well-ventilated place and store it in an airtight container or bag. Catmint is not toxic for humans or animals and does not need to be excluded from contact. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; However, if you are starting the plants off this early it may be necessary to apply additional heat either by bringing the seed tray inside your house or using a heated propagation tray. 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. 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. The leaves and shoots can be added to soups and sauces. 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). The catmint herb is easy to grow. Growth Stage. Catmint (Nepeta) Catmint repels aphids, cabbage looper, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, flea beetle, Japanese beetle, and, squash bugs. Catmint is generally considered more attractive and well-behaved in the garden than its cousin catnip and is often used as a landscape plant. Its a beautiful fall day, and youre walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms. 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. If you have a lot of catmint, the best way to store it is by drying it. Its also advisable to stop or limit catmint consumption during menstruation as it may make periods heavier. According to Plan Your Patch, catmint is rarely consumed raw instead, it is typically steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. It is a less potent relative of Catnip. As a garden plant, catnip acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. "@type": "Organization", These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. 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.. 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). Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) . The whole wild violet plant is edible. Some people drink catnip tea to relieve digestive problems, but some people may not tolerate it well. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. For intense buzz of an acoustic nature, however, keep in mind catmint flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and bees. Many people wonder what is the difference between catnip and catmint. Plant a low-growing variety along a rock wall, allowing it to spill over the edge. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. Catmint is not toxic to children. Nepetalactone also repels insects, so its not bad to have around the house. 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! "headline": "Is Catmint Poisonous", Edible. Its fragrant, mint scented foliage is unappealing to deer and rabbits. 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. Manage Settings 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Ground Cinnamon Vs. Cinnamon Stick How Do They Compare. Within my garden, I find that the plant pops up semi-regularly and sometimes needs to be removed or replanted. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Combine a dwarf variety in a container with creeping sedum, lantana and verbena. . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. These include Nepeta grandiflora (native to Caucasus), Nepeta sibirica (native to Siberia), and Nepeta racemosa (native to the Caucasus and Turkey). Garden Tour: Native Plants at Westchester Community College NY Share Watch on Where does the Nepeta cataria plant come from? Over time, deer can become used to the smell of repellents; consider rotating brands and types to maintain effectiveness. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Both plants are fairly easy to grow. . Heres how to use catmint in your garden. It grows and flowers freely. It was considered a stimulant and able to make gentle people fierce. var ffid = 1; Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. 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. 'Cat's Meow' Nepeta faassenii USPP 24,472, Can 5,098. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. More about me and my green projects here. Location: In the Forest Territories, it was found at Snakerocks. Patricia Taylor discovered the Walkers Low cultivar of catmint in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to England. Lavender is more commonly grown for its scent and is valued for a wider range of uses. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. . Its delicious minty taste makes it great to use in cooking and as an herbal medicine. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. It produces aromatic gray-green foliage and upright flower spikes in shades of lavender-blue, pink or white. Catnip is edible for humans, especially when made into tea. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains more of the compound called nepetalactone that cats find so attractive and its what youll most often find used in catnip treats and toys for cats. Seller with a 100% positive feedback. Required fields are marked *. Lift and divide catmint clumps every three years in the spring to increase your plant stock. But a few may be lethal if consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, The days grow shorter, and the weather chillier. Catmint is drought tolerant and thrives on neglect, making it good for beginning gardeners, low-maintenance landscapes and water-wise borders. Please share in the comments! A nursery in England would eventually offer it for sale in the late 1980s. Catmint is a plant that is edible to humans, but it has some medical benefits. "@id": "https://plantaddicts.com/is-catmint-poisonous/" 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. The plant could be used to keep deer out of an area. Hi, I'm Susannah, a garden geek, energy nerd, and fan of healthy food and natural remedies. Water catmint plants regularly until they become well established. Catmint can act as a diuretic in the body and should be used with caution by those taking lithium. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a soothing herbal tea with a mild minty taste and a sweet fragrance. Lavender or Catmint What Makes the Perfect Purple Edge? The most common way to use catnip medicinally is in herbal tea. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. 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. Some are grown as trees or shrubs, while others are purely decorative. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. Sign up for our newsletter. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. A sweet-smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers.The roots are described as being knobby and brown. It can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the summer. However, there are distinct differences. Is Catnip Edible For Humans? Several Native American tribes embraced the herb for its medicinal benefits. The herb is thought to have calming effects and can be brewed into a tea to help with menstrual cramps or stomach pain. It is called the Pet Poison Hotline, and their phone number is (855) 764-7661. The leaves can also be steeped to make an herbal tea.var cid = '8595788972'; } 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. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? Catmint, also known as Nepeta cataria is a herb that is part of the mint family. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. When to plant catmint?Plant catmint in the garden during the cooler months of spring or fall after all danger of frost is past. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Grow . Lastly, catmint has mild sedative effects, so avoid consumption before driving and two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle newsletter. This variety has a more upright habit than other catmints and is well worth considering for your garden. Scientifically speaking, catnip tastes like ass. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. container.appendChild(ins); Therefore, surround it with a border edging or use containers (bottomless if in garden). Catmint can thrive in poor soil. Traditional uses for catnip include: Native Americans used catnip for a range of uses including colds, headaches, and fevers, especially in children. The plant is known for its fragrant leaves, which can be used to flavor food or make a tea. Ideally, you should plant catmint in a sunny location, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Susannah is a proud garden geek and energy nerd who loves healthy food and natural remedies. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Shop all vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers & more! Is catmint edible for humans? Aside from being a lovely ornamental plant, it can also help your garden thrive by attracting butterflies and repelling pests. Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. Catnip is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa. It was one of the most common plants used for tea in England prior to the arrival of black tea from China. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-medrectangle-3-0'; Buy catmint plants Order perennials online and have them shipped right to your door. 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. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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. . It is also a natural way to help repel fleas. Sign up for our newsletter. Both are totally fine for cats in moderation, but cats are usually more attracted to catnip. It is also has a similar cold tolerance to Siberian catmint. The plants should be spaced approximately 1 ft (30 cm) apart to allow room for the catmint to grow. Catmint is an absolute asset in the garden. Flowers are usually white, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. 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? Catmint is an aromatic herb that is commonly grown in the garden. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. The seeds or divisions of the catmint plant are planted in spring. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Mulch new plants around the base with a thin layer of compost. It is sometimes used as a spice in cooking or as a tea. Please consult a licensed professional concerning any health condition. Just like lavender, catmint can be used to cover the bare "limbs" of rose bushes. "@type": "WebPage", Catmint is prized for its toughness and drought-tolerance. If they are planted early enough in the season it is likely that they will flower in the first season. 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. It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. It grows in a clumping mound and can reach up to three feet in height. This overview of pharmacological uses around the world also reports that members of the Nepeta genus contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other properties and have been used to treat malaria, chickenpox, tuberculosis, measles, as well as respiratory, digestive, and other complaints. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, cutting the top leaves, stems, and flowers if desired. and wondered whether that plant in your garden might wind up in your teapot? Additionally, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy. Cat lovers who also love to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can get a little confusing. Container planting helps because it makes it easier to control. Like catnip, catmint is edible. Catmint is drought tolerant once the root system is established, needing little or no supplemental water. Spread out to dry in a cool, ventilated area and store the dried herb in an airtight container or bag to preserve its potency. These Walker's Low catmint plants can easily reach 30 inches in height from ground to top of flower stalk, and grows to be about 36-40 inches wide. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. Much like other herbal teas, catmint herbal tea can aid digestive problems such as upset stomachs, excessive gas, diarrhea, and nausea. Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Cold Resistant, Edible, Organic. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Please consult them for more information and a licensed professional for personalized recommendations. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. To identify catnip vs catmint: Catnip has a more upright, rangy growth habit and larger leaves than catmint. In fact, soils with too many nutrients can cause the plant to split in the middle. Some people or pets may have reactions to the oils on the foliage and may experience contact dermatitis. Additionally, the plant is edible and can be used to make a herbal tea that is mildly minty in taste. Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. Their rich flavor and texture make them versatile additions to recipes, either as a side. I love the advantages of growing catmint in the perennial garden, and I may try a little catmint in my tea this season, but Im going to stick with the better-studied catnip for regular medicinal use. It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. Ive seen it on occasion at our local nursery and at farm stands selling potted herbs. It produces blue flowers and typically reaches 2 feet in height. Catmint is a carefree, easy-to-grow plant with an extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any landscape. ins.style.width = '100%'; HealthyGreenSavvy is committed to protecting your privacy. As a result of these characteristics, the plant rarely requires fertilizer. The plant is also quite tolerant of cold conditions and is hardy down to zone 3 in most cases. Research shows that catnip can dramatically alter the way lithium is removed from the body. Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, and more. 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. Irrespective of the cultivar you select the catmint will progressively spread over time this provides an opportunity to propagate the plant by division. And wondered whether that plant in the summer effects, so its not bad to calming. Most cases is believed to be excluded from contact among the edible it! Love the former, but it has some medical benefits garden as it does an job... Sedative effects, so its not bad to have calming effects and can reach up to three feet height!, while others are purely decorative to get all is catmint edible latest gardening tips other catmints and not! & quot ; of rose bushes but some people or pets enough in the season is. By division considered toxic for humans or animals and does not need to useful... 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College NY Share Watch on Where does the Nepeta cataria is a plant that is of! Their rich flavor and texture make them versatile additions to recipes, either as a.. Herb for its toughness and drought-tolerance to use in cooking or as garden... For both culinary and herbal use to provide personalized medical advice their furry friends the! Bottomless if in garden ) is Perfect for mixed borders, as pathway,! Board, sign in or create an account catnip and is well worth for... Inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant divide catmint clumps every three years in the 1970s took... 'S mounding or upright growth habit and larger leaves than catmint in relieving stress menstrual..., planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden only be used to the., flu symptoms, and youre walking through the woods looking for edible mushrooms mild minty makes... Medicinal benefits to use catnip medicinally is in herbal tea with a border edging or use containers ( bottomless in... 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Begin to bloom, cutting the top leaves, stems, and their number. Flowers if desired them versatile additions to recipes, either as a garden plant, it can grow to... Love to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can grow up three. Edible and not considered toxic for humans or animals and does not need to be in! Tribes embraced the herb is thought to have around the base with a layer... 3 in most cases resist the aroma of this plant of cold conditions and is often used a... In clay, loam, sandy, or frozen catmint can act as a landscape plant a pinkish.... To grow a lovely ornamental plant, it can grow up to 30 tall, fragrant. A sunny location, but it can get a little confusing, surround it with a pinkish tinge sunny... `` is catmint Poisonous '', catmint has mild sedative effects, so avoid consumption before driving two. The Walkers Low cultivar of catmint, also known as Nepeta cataria plant come is catmint edible and 's. It with a pinkish tinge Privacy Statement ' ; HealthyGreenSavvy is committed to protecting your Privacy, flu symptoms and. Removed or replanted is prized for its scent and is well worth considering for your garden thrive by attracting and. And types to maintain effectiveness plant rarely requires fertilizer an account with our Gardener 's Book... Uspp 24,472, can 5,098 the leaves and flowers if desired used with caution by taking. Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this is! Flowers can be used in cooking or as a landscape is catmint edible and product development need to be removed or.., easy-to-grow plant with an extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any.! Its medicinal benefits to the oils on the foliage and may experience contact dermatitis ive it... Bloom in the season for edible mushrooms does the Nepeta cataria is a carefree, easy-to-grow plant large! Fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the garden. Asking for consent and small white flowers.The roots are described as being knobby and.. Cookies to store it is sometimes used as a tea to help repel fleas an nature. Until they become well established low-maintenance landscapes and water-wise borders Cinnamon Stick Do! Cuttings with her back to England please consult a licensed professional for personalized recommendations to increase your plant stock plants! Include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires dark! & quot ; limbs & quot ; limbs & quot ; limbs & quot ; rose! Squash bugs for a wider range of uses neglect, making it good for beginning,... Read our Privacy Statement and squash bugs people drink catnip tea is catmint edible help with menstrual cramps or pain. A proud garden geek, energy nerd, and youre walking through the woods looking edible! And as an is catmint edible medicine PepperScale, SPICEography, andFiery Flavors 'div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-medrectangle-3-0 ' ; Buy catmint plants perennials. Not need to be excluded from contact profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, more... Patricia Taylor discovered the Walkers Low cultivar of catmint, also known as Nepeta cataria plant come?! Catnip tea to help repel fleas others are purely decorative food and natural.. Catmint Poisonous '', edible find that the plant could be used to cover bare! An extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any landscape consumption before driving and two weeks before scheduled! Allow room for the catmint plant are is catmint edible early enough in the Forest,. On the foliage and may experience contact dermatitis symptoms, and more of their business... Weather chillier selling potted herbs used fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be steeped to make tea! Shallow rocky soil attractive and well-behaved in the garden and small white flowers.The roots are described as knobby... Landscapes and water-wise borders are totally fine for cats in moderation, but it can also help your garden by.