Lesser calamint, Basil thyme, Mountain mint
Clinopodium nepeta

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A plant which has underground stems or rhizomes. It grows 20-75 cm high. It forms bushes. These can become woody at the base. The stems are downy and grey-green. The leaves are hairy and grey-green. They are less than 2.5 cm long. The flowers are lilac to white. They are 12 mm long and in clusters of 15.

It is used in medicine. There are 6 or 7 Calamintha species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They grow in cool regions and do not suit humid areas. They need well drained soil. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits plant hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Mediterranean, Middle East, Moldova, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Portugal, Russia, Sicily, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to add an aroma to mushrooms, artichokes and zucchini. They are used to flavour fish dishes. They are used in soups. They are also cooked. The leaves are used for a herbal tea. Caution: It should not be eaten by pregnant women.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea, flavouring, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown from cuttings or division.

Its other names

Local names

Hierba nieta, Menta borda, Nebbe, Nepetella, Nepitella, Nipitella, Nipotella, Niputedda, Nota

Synonyms

Calamintha canescens J. Presl; Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi; Calamintha nepetoides Jord; Calamintha officinalis Moench; Calamintha thessala Hauuskn.; Melissa calamintha L.; Melissa nepeta L.; Satureja calamintha (L.) Scheele; Satureja nepeta (L.) Scheele; Thymus incanus; Satureja incana;