lesser calamint
Family
LamiaceaeScientific Name
Calamintha nepetaOther 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