Clinopodium umbrosum

Clinopodium umbrosum belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Its native range runs from the Caucasus to northern Myanmar. Records also place it in parts of western and southern Asia. These include Afghanistan, northern Iran and northeast Turkey. They also include India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Calamintha repens and Calamintha umbrosa are other names for this plant.

This plant grows to about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. It lives in temperate regions, in damp, shaded spots. In the Himalayas, it grows at 5,577–8,202 feet [1,700–2,500 metres]. It grows there in the shade of forests. In gardens, it suits light shade under trees and shaded edges. The records give no width for a full-grown plant. Nor do they give a detailed account of its leaves.

Flowers bloom from August to October, late in the season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and other insects move pollen from flower to flower. Seeds ripen from September to October, while flowers still bloom. The species records give no flower colour or fruit shape. The RHS lists flower traits for the genus, not this species.

Grow it in moist soil that lets excess water drain away. It grows in sand and loam and accepts a broad range of soils. Soil can be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. It can grow in full sun or part shade. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Its separate UK zone rating is 7. This is not an RHS H rating. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Give the seed little cover. At about 21°C, seeds take around two weeks to sprout. Grow young seedlings in pots before planting them out. Split clumps in spring, or take softwood cuttings in May or June. Let small split clumps form strong roots under cover before planting them out.

The records list no edible uses; its food-use rating is zero. One report notes a folk use of leaf juice on cuts and wounds. This does not prove that the treatment is safe or works. The plant also yields an essential oil. The records give few details of its uses. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. It also reports no weed potential. The supplied sources give no pest or disease details for this species.