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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Calamintha sylvatica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. ascendens. C. baetica. C. officinalis. C. sylvatica ascendens. Satureia ascendens.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment Tea

A sweet and aromatic herb tea is made from the leaves[200]. Very refreshing[4, 200]. Leaves - used as a flavouring in cooked dishes[177]. Pleasantly pungent and strongly aromatic, the flavour is said to resemble a cross between mint and marjoram[183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Aromatic Diaphoretic Expectorant Stomachic

Calamint was commonly used as a medicinal herb in medieval times, though is little used by modern herbalists[238]. It has very similar properties to lesser calamint (C. nepeta) though is milder in its actions[238]. It is sometimes cultivated as a medicinal herb for household use. The whole plant is aromatic, diaphoretic and expectorant[4]. The leaves are harvested in July as the plant comes into flower and are dried for storage[4]. An infusion is beneficial in cases of fevers, flatulent colic and weaknesses of the stomach[4], it is also used to treat depression, insomnia and painful menstruation[238]. Its expectorant action makes it a good cough and cold remedy and it is of value for treating mild respiratory infections[254]. It is best mixed with other herbs, especially yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)[254]. Calamint should not be prescribed for pregnant women since in excess it can cause a miscarriage[238].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a well-drained dry to moist neutral to alkaline soil and a sunny position[1]. Likes semi-shade[200]. Succeeds in a woodland garden[200]. Bees love the flowers of this plant[K].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. It usually germinates in 2 weeks at 21°c[138]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and, if they grow sufficiently, plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer otherwise wait until the following spring. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be planted direct into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are well rooted before planting them out in the summer. Basal cuttings in May or June. They should be rooted in a sandy compost[245]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran (north), Lebanon, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan) EUROPE: United Kingdom (south), Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Ukraine, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy (incl. Sicily), Romania, Serbia, France (incl. Corsica) AFRICA: Algeria (north)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Calamintha grandiflora	Large-Flowered Calamint	Perennial	0.6	5-8		LM	SN	DM	2	2	3
Calamintha nepeta	Lesser Calamint	Perennial	0.6	5-9		LM	N	DM	3	2	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Calamintha sylvatica - Bromf.