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Common Name: Stone Mint

General Information

Cunila origanoides is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - New York to Florida, west to Texas and Illinois.

Habitat

Dry open woods and thickets[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a variety of soil types[]. It thrives in dry soils, preferably of a sandy well-drained nature, preferring a position in full sun[].
Plants are hardy to about -20°c[].
The plant has aromatic foliage and the flowers are a good source of nectar for bees[].

Edible Uses

The fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a tea. A pleasant mint-like flavour[].

Medicinal

An essential oil, known as cunila oil, obtained from the plant is antiseptic, aromatic and stimulant[, , ].
A tea made from the leaves is used to treat headaches, colds and fevers[, ]. It is believed to induce menstruation and perspiration[].

Other Uses

An essential oil, called 'Oil of Dittany' is extracted from this plant. It has medicinal properties and is valued as an antiseptic[].
A bunch of the plant can be used to repel insects, it is effective against horseflies[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring[].
Basal cuttings in late spring or early summer[]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.