Catmint, commonly referred to as catnip, got its common name from how it affects cats. Catmint causes cats to act abnormally, including rolling over, pawing, and rubbing when they sniff or rub against it. Nepeta cataria is its scientific name, which is also cat-inspired.
Nepetalactone, an iridoid-class chemical produced by catmint, is what’s responsible for the cats’ behavior. Different flowering plants contain iridoids. However, we believe that catmint produces nepetalactone to ward off plant-eating insects rather than to make cats high. Nepetalactone is actually recognized to be just as effective at repelling some insects as the widely used synthetic repellent DEET.
The mint family, which also includes familiar herbs like oregano, thyme, and, of course, mint, includes varieties of catmint. Iridoids are present in many mint family species, however they are not present in plants that are very closely related to catmint. This suggests that the ability to produce iridoids was lost and then acquired during the millions of years of evolution of the mint family.
Animals can “move” to alter their environment to avoid predators, while plants cannot. Instead, by creating useful compounds like colors and toxins, they can adapt to the environment. In order to better understand how plants evolve to produce these adaptable chemicals, we felt that catmint would provide an excellent case study. First off, since nepetalactone is a rather straightforward molecule, there weren’t many stages to look into. Second, we previously knew that the formation of nepetalactone in catmint is aided by the enzymes iridoid synthase (ISY) and nepetalactol-related short chain dehydrogenases (NEPS), which are a collection of proteins that function as biocatalysts. Finally, we were collaborating with a sizable international team of experts who had a wealth of knowledge on the mint family. So, we started researching how catmint developed to produce nepetalactone.
We investigated the evolution of catmint using several techniques. Discovering the genomes of different catmint species was the first step. A genome is a collection of all the genes in a species, each of which encodes a specific protein. We were able to locate every gene involved in the manufacture of nepetalactone thanks to the acquisition of genomic data. By building evolutionary trees for various genes, we may determine when a specific gene lost function or first appeared during evolution. More amazingly, these evolutionary trees allow us to recreate a “ancestor” enzyme using its genetic code. Similar to Jurassic Park, but with a single catmint enzyme in place of entire dinosaurs, we may create it and evaluate its functionality in the laboratory. We were able to create a picture of how catmint evolved to produce nepetalactone by utilizing this assortment of techniques.
We concentrated on the main genes responsible for producing the ISY and NEPS enzymes in the plant, which are necessary for iridoid production. We discovered that the ISYs from catmint were distinct from those discovered in other iridoid-producing species using an evolutionary tree of ISY genes. In addition, the genomes of species allied to catmint had zero ISY genes. This indicated that an ancestral ISY gene needs to re-evolve in order for catmint to produce iridoids.
Then, when we examined where the ISY gene was located in the catmint genomes, we discovered that it was adjacent to NEPS genes. Gene clusters are regions of the genome that include several genes with similar activities. As a result, we found a gene cluster for nepetalactone!
We followed the history of the ISY gene in catmint to learn more about the connection between gene evolution and the development of gene clusters. We discovered that the ISY gene relocated close to the NEPS to form the gene cluster after evolving its capacity to produce the iridoid-producing enzyme at one location on the genome about 20 million years ago. This finding suggests that gene evolution occurs before the creation of gene clusters.
Through this investigation, we learned how a plant acquired the capacity to produce the cat-attracting chemical nepetalactone, which is how a mint became catmint. Our study offers broad insights into how novel chemistry develops in plants, giving them a means of surviving in a particular environment. This information might enable us to identify novel plant compounds that have potential to improve human health.
What makes it known as catmint?
A genus of blooming plants in the Lamiaceae family is called Nepeta. According to some, Nepete, a former Etruscan city, is mentioned in the genus name. [2] About 250 species are present. [3]
Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, the genus has also established itself in North America.
[4]
Because of their impact on domestic cats, certain members of this genus are referred to as catnip or catmint.
Cats’ olfactory receptors attach to some Nepeta species’ nepetalactone, which normally causes momentary happiness.
[5] Mint (Mentha) and catnip (Nepeta), which belong to the same species family, can occasionally be confused. Catnip smells minty, peppery, lemony, or even skunky to humans. While most mint cultivars have a mild scent in the garden and it might be difficult to distinguish between them based on look and fragrance, spearmint oil’s carvone content makes it a culinary gem and a standout in the garden.
Are catnip and catmint the same thing?
Nepeta cataria, a plant native to Europe and a close relative of the mints, produces catnip (spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal, etc). The plant or dried herb attracts a lot of cats, and the smell might cause odd behavior patterns. Licking, chewing, head shaking, chin and cheek stroking, rolling, and salivation are a few of these actions. The herb only has an effect on roughly two-thirds of domestic cats. Other cat species, such as lions, leopards, and jaguars, are also impacted. A common folk treatment for fevers, colds, cramps, and headaches is catnip.
Catnip offers therapeutic benefits for both humans and cats, in addition to having insecticidal characteristics. Nepetalactone is the substance in catnip that is active (a component of essential oil extracted from catnip). Nepatalactone is an insect repellent that was developed by Iowa State University researchers in the early 2000s for use against cockroaches, mosquitoes, mites, ticks, spiders, termites, and other pests. Since then, it hasn’t been included in insect repellents that are sold commercially.
Additionally promising for crop protection is catnip oil. In a study, collard greens intercropped with catnip (placed in alternate rows) decreased the prevalence of flea beetles, an insect that is extremely harmful to collards. It has also been demonstrated that catnip extracts can repel harmful insects and the adult and larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle. Caterpillars, moths, and butterflies cannot be harmed by catnip extracts.
Catnip is comparatively simple to cultivate, accepts a wide range of soil types, and if not controlled, has the potential to spread beyond your garden. There are numerous seed firms that sell seed. Since the seed is so tiny, it can be directly sown on garden soil that has been thoroughly prepared and covered with 1/8″ of dirt. As an alternative, it can be planted in a flat after it has five sets of leaves. If you have cats, you might need to keep them away from it until it is established and mature. Once planted, each plant should endure for a number of years. Cutting the root mass in half and replanting allows you to divide established plants. Grow the plants where they have enough room because they can grow rather huge (3 feet tall).
Prior to blossoming, trim stems to gather catnip (early to mid summer). Leaves should be taken off of stems. In a well-ventilated place away from direct sunshine, spread the leaves out on a screen or tray. To provide aeration, turn the leaves once per day. It ought to be dry enough to crumble into flakes after two to three weeks. Put dried flakes in a container with a tight lid or a plastic bag that can be sealed. A few catnip plants will give you a year-round supply if you adore cats.
While similar to catnip in appearance, catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) does not energize cats. It is a mounded shrub with lovely gray-green foliage that grows slowly. Early summer and again throughout the monsoon season are when its abundant blue flowers bloom. Once planted, it is tolerant to both heat and drought. It can self-seed and grow (almost to the point of becoming weedy). These hardy perennials can withstand USDA zone 4 conditions and do well in mountain gardens. The majority of herbivores, including deer, are not drawn to catmint. The majority of gardeners think it makes a fine perennial border plant.
Bees and other beneficial insects are attracted to catnip and catmint. Catnip typically only blooms once per season, but when it does, bees and other nectar-feeding insects are drawn to it. I saw solitary bees feasting on nectar in the early summer, honeybees utilizing it in the middle to late summer, and bee flies and hawk moths using it in the late summer due to catmint’s prolonged bloom time. I cultivate both catmint and catnip. Cats use the catnip that has been gathered. All summer long, the catmint offers beneficial insects both beauty and sustenance. Photos and links to more information are provided below.
Does catmint make cats sick?
The majority of mint plants contain essential oils that, when ingested in large doses, might have adverse effects. Cats can safely consume catnip and catmint, two varieties of mint. If consumed in excess, garden mint may upset the stomach. Garden mint’s unique essential oils have also been observed to relax the esophageal valve, increasing the likelihood that a sick cat would vomit. Only a few types of mint, including pennyroyal, can have such severe effects on the body that they can even lead to liver failure. Complicacies from mint ingestion are more likely to occur in cats that already have liver, intestinal, or bowel problems. In cats with delicate skin, mint contact may cause skin irritation.
There are various mint plant subspecies. All belong to the plant family Lamiaceae, also known as Sage. Garden mint is the most prevalent variety. This is the variety of mint that is frequently grown for its culinary properties. The majority of mint plants have wavy, ovular-shaped leaves. The mint plant produces clusters of flowers that range in color from lavender to white and are borne on stalks. Wild mint plants can be found all throughout the United States. Although the plant can grow to a height of over 3 feet, it frequently grows long and low to the ground.
Do cats enjoy catmint food?
It should go without saying that cats adore catnip for those of you who own them. This plant is really attractive to our feline companions, whether they consume it or simply roll about in it. Our nursery cat would destroy most of the catnip pots if we didn’t keep them out of her reach. Cat lovers might not be aware that there is another relative of catnip in the same species. Catmint, or Nepeta faassenii, is frequently just as aphrodisiac to cats as its more well-known species companion.
It has been discovered by many gardeners that catmint’s attraction extends beyond tabbies and calicos. Nepeta cultivars produce a 6- to 18-inch-tall stand of mid-green, occasionally grey foliage with charmingly crinkled, soft-to-the-touch leaves. Late April is when flowering usually starts, but it can go on well into the fall. The spike-like, whorled, 1-inch flowers come in a range of colors, including bluish purples, lavenders, and even a white flowering variation.
Nepetas have a variety of uses, but one of them is as a tall ground cover. Cats will want to hang out in your catmint patch if you have any, so be ready for it to be flattened half the time. Fortunately, nepetas are tough enough to withstand some damage. Don’t be put off by the word “mint.” Nepetas are not as invasive as true mints, but they will gradually take over a space if given access to regular water. Nepetas are typically sun lovers, although they can tolerate little shade, making them suitable for planting in the understory. They have shallow roots, making them a great choice to put close to taller perennials or flowering bulbs like lilies, gladioli, and dahlias. Catmint can also be planted in a pot and allowed to spill over the edge, offering calming tones to go with more vibrant hues.
Your catmint will be home to a variety of wildlife in addition to cats. Nepetas are beloved by bees, who will frequently visit these plants.
What distinguishes catmint from regular mint?
People have mentioned catnip and catmint to me. Do they differ from one another, or are their names interchangeable?
A: The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. Although they both belong to the Nepeta, or mint, family, they are two different plants.
Nepeta cataria, sometimes known as catnip, has a leggier appearance and white blooms. Nepetalactone, a substance that may make cats more excitable or lively, is present in this plant. It will bloom in the middle of summer and once again in the fall, and it is a natural bug deterrent. Catnip is more likely to be present in toys, edible arrowhead-shaped plants, and scratching posts than catmint.
Nepeta mussinii, a plant with fuller foliage and violet blooms, is frequently used as a herb in place of the more conventional mint leaves. With flowers blooming from May to September, catmint produces more continuous blossoms than its catnip cousin and can withstand partial shade. Catmint attracts certain cats, but it has far lesser effects on them than catnip does. Consider cultivating the sterile hybrid Faasen’s catmint if you are worried about the invasive spreading mint is infamous for (Nepeta x faassenii).
Both plants are perennials that can be grown and draw a wide range of pollinators. To extend blooming, deadhead (remove) spent flowers. Catnip enjoys a sunny setting and is hardy in zones 3 through 9. Zones 4 to 8 are suitable for catmint growth, making it hardy throughout most of Minnesota, including the Duluth region, but not in the very far north. In a windowsill herb garden, either plant can be cultivated, although the stems and leaves will be finer and smaller.
Catnip is the best choice if you’re planning to plant anything for your favorite feline friend to enjoy. Catmint is the finest choice if you want dense foliage and long-lasting blossoms that butterflies and bees will adore.
Can anyone consume catnip?
and Caution. When consumed in moderation by most adults, catnip is POSSIBLY SAFE. Catnip tea has been consumed in cupfuls without experiencing any negative side effects. However, smoking or ingesting large amounts of catnip could be dangerous (many cups of catnip tea, for example).
Does catnip or catmint appeal to them more?
The mint family’s genus Nepeta includes both catnip and catmint. Both of them have the typical square stems found in mint plants. Additionally, they each produce spikes of tiny, two-lipped flowers, which are an important source of food for pollinators. Their fragrant leaves emit a mint-like perfume when touched, which some find a little overpowering and “skunky.” Both plants can withstand dryness and develop quickly. But if you’re trying to decide between growing catnip or catmint, you should know that these two plants have some significant differences.
Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a robust perennial that resembles a weed in the landscape. Its rangy, spreading nature creates drifts of gray-green foliage that are 3 feet tall. Between spring and fall, little white flower spikes sometimes appear, but they are not particularly eye-catching.
Catmint comes in a few distinct varieties, but they are all generally more orderly, compact, and mounded than catnip. Additionally, throughout the summer, these perennials produce lovely spikes of purple blooms for weeks at a time.
It can vary from animal to animal in terms of attraction to cats. While some felines seem to favor catnip and won’t give catmint a second thought, others appear to prefer catnip. Catmint is regarded as the more ornamental option of the two plants from a landscaping perspective. Purple catmint flowers and a neat shape make it a more eye-catching garden plant. If you still want to cultivate catnip for your cat, it is best kept in an out-of-the-way spot because of its weedy appearance, which doesn’t go well with all garden types.