Catnip

(Nepeta cataria)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

D. Gordon E. Robertson

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: D. Gordon E. Robertson

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: D. Gordon E. Robertson | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Dger | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Catnip_flowers.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Ziertabak, Grower: Mr. Vogel |Source=own work |Date=25aug2007 |Author=~~~ |Permission= |other_versions= }} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Nepeta cataria, commonly known as Catnip, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a range of habitats including dry grasslands, forest edges, and riverbanks in Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus. It typically grows to 50–100 cm (20–40 in) in both height and width. Catnip’s appearance is characterized by its brown-green foliage and the square stems typical of the Lamiaceae family. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to elliptical, and the small, bilabiate flowers, which bloom from late spring through autumn, are fragrant and range in color from white with fine spots of pale purple to pink. The plant’s flowers are modest in showiness but are known for their appealing scent.

Catnip is valued for its ease of maintenance and drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant. It is often used in gardens for its ornamental qualities and its ability to attract cats and butterflies. Additionally, it serves as a natural deer deterrent. Catnip thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with slow to medium drainage. While it can tolerate low water conditions, moderate watering will support more vigorous growth. It is important to note that Nepeta cataria can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in the United States, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Purple, White
Flowering Season: Spring, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Dry grasslands, forest edges, and riverbanks

Other Names

Common Names: Catmint, Catwort, Field Balm, Katteurt, Almindelig Katteurt, Echte Katzenminze, Katzenminze, Gewöhnliche Katzenminze, Hierba Gatera, Menta De Gato

Scientific Names: , Nepeta cataria, Nepeta cataria var. citriodora, Nepeta laurentii, Nepeta citriodora, Nepeta macrura, Nepeta tomentosa, Nepeta vulgaris, Calamintha albiflora, Cataria tomentosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Nepeta cataria L.