Stone mint, Maryland dittany, Sweet horsemint
Cunila origanoides

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A small herb. It grows 20-40 cm tall. The leaves are smooth and have gland dots. They are oval and pointed. The flowers are pink, purple or white. They are tube shaped and have 2 lips. The lower lip has 3 lobes.

There are about 15 Cunila species. Oil of dittany in used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in rocky places. It needs a well-drained soil and full sun. It suits plant hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves can be used for flavouring. They are a substitute for oregano. They are added to pizzas. They can also be used for tea. They can be used fresh or dried.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by division, cuttings or seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cunila mariana L.; Hedyosmos origanoides (L.) Kuntze; Mappia origanoides (L.) House; Satureja origanoides L.; Ziziphora mariana (L.) Roem. & Schult.;