Lesser catmint (Nepeta nepetella, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1096 (1759))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1096 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nepeta

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Medit.

Description

Lesser catmint is a charming and resilient perennial herb, celebrated for both its aromatic foliage and its delicate, attractive flowers. Scientifically known as Nepeta nepetella, this hardy plant hails from the extensive Lamiaceae family, alongside many other notable aromatic and medicinal plants. First described in scientific literature in 1759, lesser catmint has been documented and appreciated for centuries.

The plant’s natural habitat primarily encompasses regions in the western and central Mediterranean, where it thrives in sunny, well-drained environments. The aromatic leaves of lesser catmint are often utilized in herbal remedies and culinary applications, adding a minty fragrance and flavor that is pleasantly distinct. Additionally, its pretty, tubular flowers, typically appearing in shades of lavender to blue, are a visually delightful feature, drawing pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.

Gardeners and herbalists alike value lesser catmint for its low maintenance and robust nature, capable of withstanding harsh conditions that might challenge less resilient species. Its versatility allows it to be used in rock gardens, border plantings, and as ground cover, where it can spread modestly without becoming invasive. Whether grown for its pleasing aesthetics or its practical uses, Nepeta nepetella continues to be a plant of significant horticultural and ecological value.

Common Names

Deu: iberische katzenminze
Eng: lesser catmint, lesser cat-mint
Swe: liten kattmynta
En: Lesser catmint, Lesser Cat-mint
Nl: Klein Kattekruid
Fr: Népéta à feuilles lancéolées, Petit Népéta, Népeta petit népeta
De: Iberische Katzenminze, Lanzenblättrige Katzenminze
It: Gattaia italiana, Gattaia minore
Es: Nepetela
Sv: Liten kattmynta

Synonyms

• Cataria nepetella ((L.) Moench)
• Glechoma nepetella ((L.) Kuntze)
• Nepeta lanceolata subsp. nepetella ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Marissa Amarilha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by orsatus (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Zoltán Kovács (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 3, 1998 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:452609-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7309064)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nepeta nepetella L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]