Catnip, the Cat’s Meow
Nepeta cataria
Family: Lamiaceae
Perennial Herb
Originally native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, parts of Mongolia, and parts of China, catnip is a perennial herb used by humans (and cats). This is an herbaceous, spreading plant growing 20-40” high and wide, sometimes wider. The small, bilabiate flowers of catnips plants are fragrant and are either pink in color or white with fine spots of pale purple.
Photo by Jennifer Lamb.
USES
Catnip contains the feline attractant nepetalactone. N. cataria (and some other species within the genus Nepeta) are known for their behavioral effects on the cat family, not only on domestic cats, but also other species. Several tests showed that leopards, cougars, servals, and lynxes often reacted strongly to catnip in a manner similar to domestic cats. Lions and tigers may react strongly as well, but they do not react consistently in the same fashion. Cats younger than six months might not exhibit behavioral change to catnip. Up to a third of cats are genetically immune to catnip effects.
Catnip has a history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments such as stomach cramps, indigestion, fevers, hives, and nervous conditions. The plant has been consumed as a tisane, juice, tincture, infusion, or poultice, and has also been smoked.
The compound iridodial, an iridoid extracted from catnip oil, has been found to attract lacewings that eat aphids and mites.
PRESERVATION
Though fresh catnip seems to work the best, catnip can be dried and used similarly (for cat recreation or for human consumption as tea).
GROWING
SEASON & PLANTING
You can plant this species any time in our region.
SOIL & NUTRITION
This plant grows in many soil types, best planted in amended garden soil that is well-drained.
TEMPERATURE & SUN EXPOSURE
Plant in full to part sun. In the coldest of weather plants may go dormant though often they do not. This plant is at least hardy to 15°F, probably even colder.
WATER
Moderate to regular water, if good drainage is present.
HARVESTING
Harvest foliage as needed.
WILDLIFE
As with many members of the mint family, this plant is not as sought after for food by mammals. A few moths may use this plant as a larval host (usually in warm months).
INVASIVENESS
Catnip does not seem to be escaping cultivation in our region.