Calamint

Calamintha nepeta

Alternate names
Field Balm

Weed Description
A perennial herb with showy flowers and a distinctive minty odor. Primarily a weed of pastures, fields, and noncrop areas found from Maryland south to South Carolina and also in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas.

Leaves
Ovate in outline with the apex usually sharp-pointed (acute). The lower leaf margins are toothed along both edges. Lower leaves are 1/2 to 1 inch long, the upper leaves become progressively smaller up the stem. All leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem.

Stems
Stout, branched, and hairy.

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

Identifying Characteristics
The distinctive minty smell and showy flowers help to distinguish this plant from most other weeds.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Calamint

Calamintha nepeta