Nepeta nepetella, commonly known as Lesser Catmint, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rocky slopes and scrublands in the Western Mediterranean region, including Spain, France, Italy, and North Africa. It typically reaches a height of 40–80 centimeters (16–31 inches). Lesser Catmint has a bushy, clump-forming habit with aromatic, green, crenate (scalloped-edged) leaves. During the summer months, it produces showy spikes of bluish-violet flowers that are small yet quite attractive, each spike measuring approximately 1–8 centimeters (0.39–3.15 inches) long. The flowers are highly appealing to bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for pollinator gardens.

Lesser Catmint is valued for its drought tolerance and ease of maintenance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens. It is often used in border plantings, rock gardens, and as ground cover. This herb thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it prefers well-drained soils. While it requires medium amounts of water, once established, it can withstand dry conditions. Lesser Catmint is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, although it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered. It is also deer-resistant, which is an added benefit in areas with high deer populations.CC BY-SA 4.0