Wild mint? plant identification - Ask Extension
Hello, This mint (?) popped up in my garden mysteriously this spring. I wasn't sure what it was, so I let it grow. It is now nearly 5 foot tall and ab...
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Wild mint? plant identification #339784
Asked July 05, 2016, 7:50 PM EDT
Hello, This mint (?) popped up in my garden mysteriously this spring. I wasn't sure what it was, so I let it grow. It is now nearly 5 foot tall and about 3 foot wide with very fragrant leaves and small violet flowers. My honeybees can't get enough of the flowers. Would someone be so kind as to help me identify it?
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
Looks like you have wild agastache, that is a bit lighter in bloom or a very tall cat mint ( catnip).
In either case this is in the mint family.
In either case this is in the mint family.
Catnip! I think that's it. I'll share some with the barn cat when I get home to confirm :).
Could you recommend any weedy vegetation guides for Maryland?
Many thanks!
Could you recommend any weedy vegetation guides for Maryland?
Many thanks!
Some cats don't respond to the catmint while others do.
As to Weedy Vegetation management guidelines there are several publications that the university of Maryland and MD dept of Ag have.
Most of these publications are specific to either the situation (ag, home lawns...) or specific weeds.
Do you have a particular concern or type weed???... I just need some more specifics in order to give you better guidance.
You can also look at UMD home garden information center site under the weed section:
http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/home-and-garden-information-center-and-grow-it-eat-it-publications#wee...
As to Weedy Vegetation management guidelines there are several publications that the university of Maryland and MD dept of Ag have.
Most of these publications are specific to either the situation (ag, home lawns...) or specific weeds.
Do you have a particular concern or type weed???... I just need some more specifics in order to give you better guidance.
You can also look at UMD home garden information center site under the weed section:
http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/home-and-garden-information-center-and-grow-it-eat-it-publications#wee...
We had mixed reactions from our cats- the very playful one batted it around and then chewed on it a little (but she does that with nearly everything) - and the other one more or less ignored it. After rubbing it in his fur, he took a nap in the chamomile patch, which I've never seen him do before. However, I am still pretty sure that it is catnip even if our cats didn't react strongly.
My request for guides on weedy vegetation is more of a general interest in better being able to identify the weeds around us, and knowing what they can be used for (aside from pulling out!). With the catnip example, aside from cats, now I know that the "mystery wild mint" also makes a lovely tea...
Thanks again for your prompt and informative responses.
My request for guides on weedy vegetation is more of a general interest in better being able to identify the weeds around us, and knowing what they can be used for (aside from pulling out!). With the catnip example, aside from cats, now I know that the "mystery wild mint" also makes a lovely tea...
Thanks again for your prompt and informative responses.
You're welcome.
