lesser calamint

Family

Lamiaceae

Scientific Name

Calamintha nepeta

Other Common Names:

calamint

field balm

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Satureja calamintha var. nepeta

Satureja calamintha var. nepetoides

Clinopodium nepeta

Satureja nepeta

Calamintha nepetoides

Leaves

Ovate in outline with the apex usually sharp-pointed (acute). The lower leaf margins are toothed along both edges. Lower leaves are to 1 inch long, the upper leaves become progressively smaller up the stem. All leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem.

Identifying Characteristics

A perennial herb with showy flowers and a distinctive minty odor. The distinctive minty smell and showy flowers help to distinguish this plant from most other weeds

Flower Seed Head

Individual flowers are about 4 mm long and light purple and/or white in color.

Where Found

Primarily a weed of pastures, fields, and noncrop areas found from Maryland south to South Carolina and also in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas.

Leaf Shape

oval

Leaf Arrangement

opposite

Leaf Margin

serrated

Leaf Stalk

none

Life Cycle

perennial

Plant Type

Herb