Plant Details

Calamintha nepeta

Lesser Calamint

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Calamintha nepeta.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Lesser Calamint
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Kleine bergsteentijm
French
  • Calament nepeta
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Calamintha nepeta
Taxonomic placement (Kew): Clinopodium nepeta (L.) Kuntze View name reference ↗

The linked source specifies Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi, a synonym in Kew. This supports the lesser-calamint species profile without inferring a particular subspecies or cultivar.

Sources [2] [3] [4]
Botanical family: Lamiaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Calamintha (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Lesser Calamint

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.60 m
Spread: 0.80 m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 5-9
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Tea, Condiment
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
None

Description

The leaves of mountain savory have a strong scent that resembles pennyroyal and are sharper than calamint (C. sylvatica). They can be used as a seasoning and to make a sweet and aromatic herbal tea. Mountain savory, also known as 'Mentuccia', is often used in Sicily, Sardinia, Tuscany, and Turkey. The herb pairs well with vegetables, particularly mushrooms. It is delightful with fish and meat, adds a spicy flavor to herb butter, and of course, you can also brew a nice tea from it.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/07
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 2339; name ID 29020; Calamintha Mill.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Clinopodium nepeta (L.) Kuntze
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; The linked source specifies Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi, a synonym in Kew. This supports the lesser-calamint species profile without inferring a particular subspecies or cultivar.

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Taxonomic synonyms or horticultural name section. The linked source specifies Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi, a synonym in Kew. This supports the lesser-calamint species profile without inferring a particular subspecies or cultivar.

    Source checked on .

  4. Plants For A Future Calamintha nepeta - (L.)Savi.
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Catalogue source profile: authorship and name context only. The linked source specifies Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi, a synonym in Kew. This supports the lesser-calamint species profile without inferring a particular subspecies or cultivar.

    Source checked on .