Lesser Calamint

Eight of so species are included in this genus, ranging throughout Europe to C Asia. Several species are attractive and aromatic perennials for dry, sunny borders or containers. In addition to those described below, the pink-flowered C. grandiflora (mint savory, showy calamint) and its cultivar 'Variegata' have mint-scented foliage that can be used for flavoring or teas. Calamints were "officinal" herbs of the pharmacopoeia in medieval times, but are regarded as more ornamental than useful by medicinal herbalists today. According to Culpeper (The English Physician Enlarged, 1653), calamint "hinders conception in women", and "works very violent upon the feminine part" - a view repeated in the Irish Herbal (1775), which recommends it "to expel dead child from womb". The active constituent is pulegone, as found in Mentha pulegium, (see pennyroyal, which is known to cause abortion.

Bushy perennial with a long, creeping rhizome, upright, branched stems, and peppermint-scented ovate, toothed leaves, to 3.5cm (1 3/8in) long. Loose clusters of tubular, pale lilac to white flowers, 6mm (¼in) long, appear in summer.


Common Name:
Lesser Calamint
Other Names:
Nepitella
Botanical Name:
Calamintha nepeta syn. C. nepetoides
Genus:
Calamintha
Family:
Lamiaceae
Cultivation:
Well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun.
Propagation:
By seed sown under cover in spring or autumn; by softwood cuttings in early summer; by division in spring.
Harvest:
Flowering plants and leaves are cut in summer and used fresh, or dried for infusions.
Native Location:
Europe, S Russia, N Africa, Iran.
Height:
45cm (18in)
Width:
50-75cm (20-30in)
Variations:
Subsp. nepeta
Is larger in all its parts
Height: 45-60cm (18-24in)
Width: 60-90cm (24-36in)

Subsp. nepeta 'Blue Cloud'
Has blue flowers
Height: 45-60cm (18-24in)
Width: 60-90cm (24-36in)
Hardiness:
Z5-10
Parts Used:
Whole plant
Properties:
An aromatic herb that acts as a nerve tonic, increases perspiration, stimulates the uterus, and relieves indigestion.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for indigestion, nervous tension, depression, insomnia, feverish colds, and painful menstruation. Not given to pregnant women.
Culinary Uses:
Leaves can be used for flavoring; they are similar in aroma to those of common calamint, but more pungent.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 149