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

Canary Catmint

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

It has adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor, rocky, and highly porous volcanic substrates where other plants struggle.

Its leaves are covered in dense, fine trichomes that reflect solar radiation and significantly reduce water loss.

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?

The easiest way to identify Canary Catmint is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

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