Lesser Calamint, Savory

Calamintha nepeta (L.) Sav.

cal-ah-MINTH-ah  nep-EE-tah

Lamiaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name from Greek, kallis, beautiful, and mintha, mint. Specific epithet probably reflects resemblance to the genus Nepeta.

Natural range: Europe

Recognition: Pubescent mint with leaves ¾” long, oblong, shallowly toothed. Flowers in few-flowered cytmes, these in verticels, strongly bilabiate, bluish-violet, spotted (or white to lilac), with a tubular calyx and included stamens

Landscape uses: Aromatic species in herb gardens and rock gardens