Lesser Calamint

Lesser Calamint (Calamintha nepeta), also known as Nepitella or Calamint, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America.

Description

Lesser Calamint is a small, bushy plant that typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm. It has small, oval leaves that are slightly serrated and a pale green color. The flowers are small, tubular, and typically white or pale pink with purple spots.

Cultivation

Lesser Calamint prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in poor soil conditions. It is often used in herb gardens and as a ground cover. The plant is also attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens.

Uses

The leaves of the Lesser Calamint are used in cooking, particularly in Italian cuisine. They have a strong, minty flavor and are often used in dishes with mushrooms or tomato sauce. The leaves can also be used to make a herbal tea.

In traditional medicine, Lesser Calamint has been used to treat digestive problems, colds, and flu. It is also used in aromatherapy for its calming effects.

See also

• Lamiaceae
• Herb garden
• Italian cuisine