How to identify Common dittany (Cunila origanoides)
Common dittany, also known as Stone mint
Common dittany boasts a distinctive appearance with small purplish lavender clusters of flowers. These blooms are observable in late summer, roughly from August to September. Each flower is nestled within a herbaceous perennial that emits a noteworthy fragrance, typical of the mint family to which it belongs. The leaves of common dittany exhibit a texture reminiscent of marjoram, further hinting at its oregano-like qualities. This plant stands at a height that is modest, typically not surpassing 2 feet (60 cm), making it an understated yet appealing addition to various garden settings.
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen
Small purplish lavender clusters of flowers in late summer to autumn.
Opposite lanceolate leaves with mint fragrance, turning reddish-purple after frost.
Four-sided, slender stems with purplish-green to reddish-purple coloration.
Tiny dark brown ellipsoid nutlets, easily dispersed by wind.
Tubular flowers with 2 upper lobes, 3 lower lobes, and hairy texture.
The leaves of common dittany are small, ranging from yellowish-green to dark green. They are opposite, lanceolate or ovate with pointed tips and cordate bases. Margins are slightly toothed. Major veins are soft-haired and the venation is pinnate. Measuring approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in length, the leaves emit a strong mint fragrance when crushed. After the first frost, they change to a deep reddish-purple.
Common dittany's flowers appear in small clusters of purplish lavender at the tips of stems or leaf axils. Each flower, 1/4 to 1/3 inch (6-8 mm) long, is tubular with 2 upper lobes and 3 lower lobes, covered in soft hairs. The corolla is pink or lavender, rarely white. The stamens have white to light purple filaments and pink to lavender anthers, aging to brown. Flowers bloom from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1.5 months.
The stems of common dittany are four-sided, slender, and wiry, providing a unique angular appearance. They have a smooth to slightly hairy texture. The coloration varies from purplish-green to deep reddish-purple, contributing to its striking presentation. The stems are relatively thin, typically around 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) in diameter, and can grow quite long, supporting multiple branches. These distinctive features make the stems an important aspect for identifying common dittany in its natural habitat.
The fruit of common dittany consists of minuscule, dark brown nutlets, each one approximately 0.04 inches (1 mm) in length and 0.03 inches (0.7 mm) in width. These ellipsoid-shaped nutlets feature three blunt angles, giving them a distinctive geometry. Their small size, resembling particles of dust, allows them to be readily dispersed by the wind, facilitating natural distribution.
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Scientific Classification of Common dittany
