Contents
Many homeowners are passionate about growing aromatic crops. Among the most popular herbs are lemon balm and catnip. Both plants are used in folk medicine and cooking, are among the sought-after elements of landscape design, and also have a certain external resemblance. What is the difference between catnip and lemon balm from the point of view of biologists and from the perspective of their practical application, will be revealed by hortologists.
Melissa and catnip are decorative and medicinal crops popular with gardeners
Is it the same or not
Catnip catnip (Latin name Nepeta cataria – Nepeta Katari) is a perennial plant. The second name for spicy grass is catnip, as fluffy pets show a noticeable interest in it.
Melissa officinalis (Latin name Mellissa officinalis – Melisa officinalis) is also a perennial herb, popularly referred to as lemon mint. Both catnip and lemon balm, like all other types of mint, belong to the Lamiaceae family (lemisia).
The external similarity of plants is manifested in the following features:
- approximately the same height of the stems;
- opposite arrangement of leaves;
- well developed rhizomes;
- flowers are collected in a whorl;
- have a similar lemon flavor.
In addition, the time of active flowering of both herbaceous perennials coincides. This period lasts from the beginning of summer until almost the end of the season.
How to distinguish lemon balm from catnip
Although outwardly lemon catnip and lemon balm are similar, there are significant differences between them. Each plant from the Yasnotkovy family has pronounced botanical and morphological features. With the help of a photo, it is easy to highlight the similarities and differences between lemon balm and catnip.
In appearance
In catnip, the leaves are smaller, heart-shaped, their color is darker, a gray tint is noticeable. The notches along the edges of the ovoid leaf blades of lemon balm are smaller and appear wrinkled due to pronounced veins. To the touch, the surface of the catnip leaves is soft, as if felt. The smallest hairs form dense pubescence, while lemon balm has separate large villi. In catnip, the inflorescences of a lavender shade resemble an ear, in contrast to lemon balm, in which pale lilac, almost whitish flowers are arranged in tiers.
Nepeta cataria has a panicle inflorescence at the top of the shoot, Mellissa has axillary flowers in the form of semirings
By smell
The aroma exuded by both essential plants is reminiscent of the smell of citrus fruits. In lemon balm it is more tender and volatile, while in catnip it is pronouncedly spicy and stable, since the plant tissues contain many fragrant components – citral and geraniol.
Taste
Both herbaceous crops are popular in cooking and perfumery. Lemon-smelling plants are added to tea, sweet drinks, fruit dishes, confectionery. Extract of lemon balm and catnip are common components in body and hair care products (shampoos, gels, creams, etc.). Due to the pronounced citrus flavor and aroma, lemon balm and catnip are interchangeable when used.
By composition and properties
The biochemical composition of herbs popular with gardeners is similar. Catnip and lemon balm contain essential oils, vitamins A, B, C and a complex of minerals:
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- calcium;
- sodium;
- phosphorus;
- iron.
Melissa also contains zinc and copper. Due to the rich biochemical composition, fragrant herbs are successfully used in the structure of horticultural plots and plantations in the area of bee farms.
By application
Lemon mint is widely used in both folk and official medicine. The range of use is as follows:
- as a hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antiemetic;
- as a pain reliever for migraines, painful menstruation;
- due to the content of potassium and magnesium, as an aid in cardiac disorders.
Catnip, which has a sedative and pain-reducing effect, has a similar effect on the human body. Except for one thing: unlike lemon balm, which reduces blood pressure and slows down the heart rate, catnip has the opposite effect, and therefore is contraindicated in hypertensive patients.
In more detail, the differences between the two spicy crops are presented in the video:
By region of growth
Mellissa officinalis is found wild in southern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The cultivation of lemon balm is possible almost throughout Our Country.
When breeding, it is important to take into account the fact that lemon mint is sensitive to cold, and in harsh winters is prone to freezing. For this reason, the plant must be planted in areas closed from the winds and well lit by the sun.
Nepeta cataria grows everywhere. It is found on the edges of forests, low mountain slopes, along roadsides and even in urban wastelands. Kotovnik shows frost resistance, loves light and moisture.
Catnip catnip well tolerates wintering in a temperate climate
Which is better to choose
Amateur gardeners, organizing the space of a small plot, often face a dilemma: which herbs to choose for planting. Catnip and lemon balm, despite a number of differences, are perceived by many as identical plants. Both cultures are unpretentious, hibernate without shelter, and grow rapidly.
All types of mint form combinations that are pleasant for human perception with any floral aromas and harmoniously fit into mixborders. Plantings with fragrant herbs are recommended to be placed along the edges of garden paths, along the terrace of a homestead, next to an open gazebo, not far from the barbecue area.
Currently, many landscape designers, gardeners and even non-professional gardeners are creating zones sown exclusively with aromatic herbs. In the conditions of central Our Country, when forming plots with fragrant crops, in addition to catnip, lemon balm and mint, the following can be used:
- oregano;
- lovage;
- thyme;
- fennel;
- hyssop;
- lavender;
- tarragon and other spicy plants.
Flowerpots planted with aromatic herbs allow you to create an area that exudes pleasant smells, even on a paved area. In an apartment, a balcony and wide window sills are suitable for arranging a fragrant zone.
Plantings of catnip and lemon balm serve to repel insect pests from the local area
Interchangeability
For medicinal purposes, herbal decoctions can be used to regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic or sedative. In cooking, both herbaceous crops are also used in an identical way, but the aroma of lemon balm is more subtle, “noble”, the smell of catnip is stronger and rougher. Both types of herbs are used in landscape design, forming successful combinations with other garden plants.
Conclusion
The difference between catnip and lemon balm is noticeable even to amateur gardeners. But, despite the similarities and differences, each of the plants has its own advantages when used in cooking and used for medical purposes, and is also considered a useful decoration for the backyard.