Lesser Calamint
Clinopodium nepeta
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Lesser Calamint (Clinopodium nepeta) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths
Native alternatives to Lesser Calamint
Lesser Calamint is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaLesser calamint is a compact perennial herb that forms neat mounds of small, aromatic leaves. It produces delicate spikes of tiny white or pale purple flowers from summer through early fall, creating a soft, refined appearance in the garden.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lesser Calamint is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May self-seed in ideal conditions
Wildlife value
This plant is excellent for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, moths, and even hummingbirds to its abundant small flowers. The long bloom period from June through September provides consistent nectar sources throughout the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lesser Calamint need?
- Lesser Calamint grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Lesser Calamint bloom?
- Lesser Calamint blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Lesser Calamint attract?
- Lesser Calamint draws bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths.
- Is Lesser Calamint HOA-friendly?
- Lesser Calamint is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Lesser Calamint? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz