Catnip is sometimes used as a folk remedy for fevers, colds, cramps, and migraines.Īside from pleasing cats and healing humans, catnip also has insecticidal properties. Lions, leopards, jaguars, and other cat species are also affected. Only about two-thirds of domestic cats respond to the herb. Some of these behaviors include licking, chewing, head shaking, chin and cheek rubbing, rolling, and salivation. Many cats are attracted to the plant or dried herb and the smell can trigger strange behavior patterns. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai CountyĬatnip ( Nepeta cataria) is native to Europe and a close relative of the mints (spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal, etc). Jeff Schalau, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Leaves: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous Leaf Color: Gray/Silver Green Leaf Feel: Soft Leaf Value To Gardener: Edible Fragrant Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Arrangement: Opposite Leaf Shape: Ovate Rhomboidal Leaf Margin: Serrate Hairs Present: Yes Leaf Length: 1-3 inches Leaf Description: 3-inch aromatic grey-green leaves have downy stems and leaves which help give the plant its grey-green appearance.Backyard Gardener - Catnip and Catmint - September 20, 2017.Flowers: Flower Color: Blue Purple/Lavender White Flower Inflorescence: Spike Flower Bloom Time: Spring Summer Flower Shape: Lipped Flower Petals: 2-3 rays/petals Flower Size: Fruit: Fruit Type: Nut Fruit Description: Long ovoid smooth or ribbed nutlets.Cultural Conditions: Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) Soil Texture: Clay Loam (Silt) Sand Shallow Rocky Soil Drainage: Good Drainage NC Region: Coastal Mountains Piedmont USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b.Whole Plant Traits: Plant Type: Edible Herb Herbaceous Perennial Perennial Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous Habit/Form: Clumping Spreading Growth Rate: Medium Maintenance: Low.Fresh leaves (minty flavor) may be chopped and added to soups, stews, sauces, vegetables, or pasta Eurasia, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa Distribution: Much of Canada and US Wildlife Value: Flowers attract butterflies. Life Cycle: Perennial Recommended Propagation Strategy: Division Seed Country Or Region Of Origin: Temperate. Attributes: Genus: Nepeta Family: Lamiaceae Uses (Ethnobotany): As a garden plant, catnip acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs.Tags: #full sun tolerant #drought tolerant #edible plant #purple flowers #fragrant leaves #medicinal #cottage garden #air pollution tolerant #seeds #deer resistant #rock garden #border planting #pollinator plant #edible leaves #naturalized area #flowers late spring #flowers midsummer #flowers early summer #rocky soils tolerant #nectar plant late spring #butterfly friendly #nectar plant early summer #nectar plant midsummer #container plant #perennial #weed #meadow x faasenii, 'Six Hills Giant', 'Walker's Low' 'Blue Dwarf', 'Blue Wonder', 'Early Bird', 'Limelight', N. VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum Profile Video: See this plant in the following landscape: Cultivars / Varieties: Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems though it can be a bit weedy. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. The minty-flavored leaves are edible.Ĭatmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Propagate it by division or seed.Īs a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. When flowers begin to fade, shear them off to encourage new growth and another wave of flowering. It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. It came to be called catmint owing to having a strong scent that cats find attractive.Ĭatmint requires full sun and good drainage. ![]() Catmint originated in Temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa. Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids.
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