Canary Catmint
ExplorePlants
Canary Catmint
nepeta teydea
The Canary Catmint (Nepeta teydea) is a striking, resilient perennial subshrub native to the high-altitude volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Clinging to the rocky slopes of Tenerife and La Palma, this hardy member of the mint family thrives where few other plants can survive. It is particularly iconic in Teide National Park, where its dense, grey-green bushes add color to the barren volcanic soil. Beyond its rugged survival skills, Canary Catmint is beloved for its intensely aromatic foliage and magnificent spikes of blue-violet flowers. It plays a vital role in its local ecosystem, providing a crucial nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other high-altitude pollinators. Its adaptation to harsh sun, low water, and freezing winter temperatures makes it a fascinating example of island evolution.
Habitat: Found in subalpine scrublands and open pine forests on dry, volcanic soils at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters.
Appearance
Canary Catmint forms dense, rounded woody mounds standing about 50 to 150 centimeters tall. Its lance-shaped to ovate leaves are greyish-green, highly wrinkled, and covered in fine, velvety hairs that help the plant retain moisture. During its blooming season from late spring to summer, it produces tall, upright spikes densely packed with small, tubular flowers that range from pale blue to deep violet-purple, contrasting beautifully against its muted foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusNepeta
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It is named teydea because it is a signature species of the volcanic slopes of Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak.
Like other catmints, it contains organic compounds that can elicit a playful, euphoric reaction in domestic cats.
When its leaves are bruised, they release an intense herbal, minty scent that can be detected from several feet away.
Special abilities
Ability
Volcanic Soil Tolerance
It has adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor, rocky, and highly porous volcanic substrates where other plants struggle.
Ability
Moisture Retaining Hairs
Its leaves are covered in dense, fine trichomes that reflect solar radiation and significantly reduce water loss.
Ability
Herbivore Repellent Oils
The plant produces strong aromatic essential oils that act as a natural deterrent against grazing animals.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 50-150 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
- Incubation
- 14-30 days
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by minerals absorbed from volcanic soils.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Volcanic soil minerals
Ecological connections
Mutualism
Canary Island Bumblebee
Bombus canariensis
The Canary Island bumblebee feeds on its nectar and acts as a primary pollinator.
Mutualism
Teide Wall Lizard
Gallotia galloti
The endemic Teide wall lizard climbs the plant to feed on its small seeds and occasionally its foliage, aiding in seed dispersal.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Canary Catmint?
Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.
How long is Canary Catmint?
50-150 cm
How long does Canary Catmint live?
3-10 years
What does Canary Catmint eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by minerals absorbed from volcanic soils.
Where is Canary Catmint usually found?
Found in subalpine scrublands and open pine forests on dry, volcanic soils at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters.
How long do Canary Catmint eggs take to hatch?
14-30 days
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