The
genus Nepeta may be derived from the Roman town of Nepeti,
where catnip was valued and cultivated long ago. The colonists
brought catnip to America, and it was listed as a commercial
crop in 1796 by an American geographer. It has since escaped into
the landscape. Some believe the plant is named after its ability
to lure and charm felines.
Description:
This type of mint has a square stem.
The bilabiate, spiked flowers are 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They are
white with purple to pink spots. The 2-to-3-inch leaves are ovate
to cordate, opposite, and coarsely toothed. They are covered with
soft, white fuzz. The leaf tops are gray-green, and the bottoms
are white with hairs.
Plant
type and hardiness:
Hardy herbaceous perennial; hardiness
zones 3 to 4.
Height
and width:
Height is 12 to 36 inches; width
varies due to spreading.
Light
and soil:
Full sun to light shade; average,
sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.4.
Pests
and disease:
None noted
Cultivation:
Plant seeds or transplant seedlings in full sun or partial shade,
thinning to 12 inches apart. Cut back in autumn. Since catnip spreads
rapidly, it is wise to give it space. Another species, N. mussunii,
reaches 12 to 18 inches in height and does well as a border plant.
Since N. cataria can reach 36 inches in height, it is best used
as a border plant in taller plantings or as a background plant for
shorter plantings.
Propagation
method:
Seeds or cuttings in spring.
Harvesting:
Harvest young leaves and flowering tops when fully open, before
they turn brown. Both blooms and foliage shrink at least 50 percent.
The leaves shrivel and darken, while the flowers lose coloration.
The fresh, woodsy fragrance remains after drying.
Herbal
uses:
Aromatic, culinary, decorative,
and medicinal. Dried leaves add fragrance to potpourris. The leaves
are also used in salads and tea. Fresh leaves can be rubbed on raw
meat as a tenderizer or mixed with olive oil and seasonings for
a marinade. Catnip is used to make light yellow dye. The dried leaves
are used in cat toys. The plant can be grown as an ornamental in
lightly shaded areas or in containers. It is said to have some medicinal
qualities.
Insider's
secret
To prevent undesirable spreading,
grow plants in plastic pots and bury to the rim with the bottoms
intact. The blooms will be numerous and delicate.
