Mentuccia Romana, Nepetella
A traditional herb from central and southern Italy, where it grows wild along with oregano. Somewhat like marjoram, but to my palate, it goes much better with food. A great choice for edging a path, or groundcover on a sunny bank. The flavor is often described as somewhat of a cross between oregano or marjoram and a pure mint, with unique herbal and savory undertones. Popular in Tuscany, it is often used with dishes featuring mushrooms or meats. In southern Italy it is brewed for tea or used to flavor cheeses. In Rome it is used for artichoke dishes. Loose spikes of pink flowers attract hordes of butterflies, bees, and beneficials. One of the best pollinator plants, and especially welcome because it has many mint attributes without spreading by runners like invasive mints do. Likes normal herb-garden conditions: sun, well-drained soil, and not too much fertility. Hardy to zone 5. (Calamintha nepeta) 50 seeds