Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (L.) Britton
Bibliography: Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 5: 278 (1894)
Year: 1894
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cunila
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The American dittany, scientifically known as Cunila origanoides, is a distinctive plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This herbaceous perennial is native to the central and eastern regions of the United States, where it thrives in dry, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and well-drained soils.
Characterized by its aromatic foliage and delicate beauty, American dittany grows in a compact, mounding habit, typically reaching heights between 12 and 18 inches. The oval, opposite leaves possess a minty fragrance, releasing their scent when crushed, which is reminiscent of oregano—an attribute that resonates through its botanical nomenclature “origanoides.”
From late summer to early autumn, American dittany adorns itself with small, tubular flowers that range in color from lavender to pale purple, sometimes even white. These flowers, which attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, are not only a visual delight but also vital in sustaining the local ecosystem.
Cunila origanoides has historical significance, referenced in publications as early as 1894 in the “Mem. Torrey Bot. Club.” Throughout the years, it has garnered interest not just for its ornamental value but also for its ethnobotanical uses. Traditionally, it was employed for its medicinal properties, believed to aid in treating fever and other ailments.
In garden settings, American dittany is valued for its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements. It is often used in rock gardens, herb gardens, and naturalized landscapes, where it can spread gently through self-seeding to form charming colonies.
To cultivate American dittany successfully, it is essential to provide it with full sun to partial shade and soil that mimics its natural habitat—well-drained and somewhat rocky. Once established, it is relatively carefree, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance biodiversity without extensive upkeep.
In summary, Cunila origanoides, or American dittany, encapsulates the quintessence of a native plant that marries aesthetic appeal with ecological importance. Its historical roots and ease of cultivation ensure that it remains a cherished species in both natural and manicured landscapes across its native range.
Common Names
Eng: american dittany, common dittany, dittany, frost-mint, stone-mint
En: American dittany, Dittany, Frost-mint, Stone-mint, Common dittany, Wood Dittany
Ga: Diothain
Synonyms
- Hedyosmos origanoides ((L.) Kuntze)
- Ziziphora mariana ((L.) Roem. & Schult.)
- Mappia origanoides ((L.) House)
- Cunila mariana (L.)
- Satureja origanoides (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 23, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Rachel Walker (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 27, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 8, 2015 by EOL − lakekoshare (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 23, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341316)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:72215-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cunila origanoides (L.) Britton)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb
