Calamintha nepeta, commonly known as lesser calamint, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. This family also includes other herbs you might recognize, like mint, sage, and basil.
Lesser calamint is native to Europe, especially the Mediterranean region, and has naturalized in some parts of North America. This plant typically grows in dry, sunny locations and is often found in rocky or sandy soil.
It reaches a height of about 1 to 2 feet and has a spreading habit, making it useful as a groundcover. It bears small, white or pale pink flowers that are very attractive to bees and butterflies, which makes it a beneficial addition to a pollinator garden.
The leaves of Calamintha nepeta are aromatic, giving off a minty scent when crushed, which is typical of plants in the Lamiaceae family. The leaves are also used in traditional medicine and cooking in some cultures.