Cunila origanoides

Common Names

Dittany, American Dittany, Common Dittany, Stone Mint, Frost Mint, Wild Oregano, Fairy Skirts, Frost Flowers, Sweet Horsemint

Summary

Cunila origanoides, commonly called American dittany, dittany, wild oregano, stone mint, or frost mint, is a mint family perennial native to the eastern and central United States. It forms a low, bushy clump with many branched, square stems reaching about 8 to 18 inches in height and a similar spread, and carries aromatic opposite leaves with a strong mint fragrance, from midsummer to fall tiny purple to lavender flowers appear in leaf axils or clusters, and frost flowers may form in autumn, adding a distinctive seasonal feature. In cultivation, Cunila origanoides prefers full sun to part shade and well drained soils that are dry to medium moisture, with drought tolerance and deer resistance supporting low maintenance uses such as rock gardens, borders, native or herb beds. It can be started from seed or propagated by division and is generally pest and disease resistant, though it may spread somewhat aggressively. Leaves are used as a culinary herb or in teas, and nectar attracts bees and butterflies, making it suitable for wildlife friendly landscapes, hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

9-18 inches

Spread

9-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade, Partial Sun (also tolerates Full Sun in late afternoon).

Soil Type

Dry, rocky, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, dry to medium moisture, dry, rocky or sandy soils, excess moisture can cause rust.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Purple/Lavender

Bloom Time

July through November

Foliage Color

Yellowish green to dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators