Nepeta cataria is a perennial plant with whitish flowers that grows to a height of two to three feet. Catnip prefers a well-drained soil with some moisture and access to sunlight. It is hardy to at least Zone 4. The plant is resistant to deer, has few insect pests, and is seen as a desirable plant by some pollinators, including honeybees and bumblebees.
This plant’s native regions are Europe and Asia, where people have long utilized it both as a culinary ingredient and as a natural remedy. These days, catnip is produced for its leaves and oils as well as for decorative purposes.
The plant was probably brought to North America by European immigrants, where it is today regarded as naturalized. Naturalized refers to the non-native catnip’s ability to spread and persist without human intervention. In Minnesota, catnip is not currently categorized as a state noxious weed or restricted plant. Catnip is still regarded as an invasive species in some states, including West Virginia.
In essence, the catnip I found was a weed, but not a very difficult one. In prior years, I noticed that when compared to other infamous weeds like lambsquarters, catnip was given a pass (Chenopodium album).
Catnip does, in fact, frequently face competition from other weeds when planted on farms. In a 2004 study from Iowa State University, plots of weedy catnip produced roughly half as much as those without weeds. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), another examined herb, produced the same amount of yield regardless of the presence or absence of weeds.
Catmint: is it an invasive species?
They believed it would entice cats to prey on rodents hiding about the farm or house. However, current research suggests that catmint may not just be discovered around the foundations of historic European homes and barns. According to a recent USDA study, termites are unlikely to dig tunnels through soil where catmint flourishes. Naturally, a moat made of this plant would prevent these pests from penetrating the wood of a hut or cottage.
Termites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches are all repelled by the same chemical that draws cats. Nepeta cataria, also referred to as common catnip, is a plant that contains it. Nepetalactone, a terpene found in these herbs, has been shown to be several times more effective at repelling insects than harmful DEET. To influence a cat, the plants release oils that must be breathed rather than consumed. This explains why cats are so prone to rolling around in catmint plants. More volatile oils are released from the leaves when it is bruised. Cats can detect airborne odors down to one part per billion.
Not all felines react the same way to these herbs. In fact, roughly 30% of household cats might not even respond to catmint. It’s a hereditary reaction that can vary in intensity from person to person and is inherited. Strangely, until they are at least 3 months old, extremely young kittens rarely react to nepetalactone.
There are a dizzying variety of plants in the genus Nepeta. The large invasive plant known as real catmint is described above. It grows to a height of three feet and bears few white blooms. It usually only appears in herb gardens and has very nothing to recommend it in terms of aesthetics. Due to its hardiness up to Zone 3, it is a fantastic choice for gardens in the north.
Through natural cross-pollination and human breeding, numerous species have been introduced into gardens over time and transformed into new varieties. The outcome is a wide variety of garden-worthy catmints that are much better prospects for your yard than the usual kind. Keep in mind that these immigrants won’t be as resistant to the cold as the species is. The majority, but not all, are sterile, preventing plants from spreading outward in the absence of viable seed. Simply deadhead the flowers after they are spent to stop seed formation in order to completely avoid self sowing.
The Six Hills Giant, which stands 3 feet tall, is the most impressive version. Late in the summer, foot-long spikes of dark violet blooms appear on lush, spherical plants. It is generally accessible and a superb option for novice growers.
Nepeta racemosa “Walker’s Low,” which has a shorter size, is an excellent edging plant. A gentle carpet of blue fills up the front of a border. It only grows to a height of 18 inches but produces dense clusters of vividly blue flower spikes. Walkers Low and Six Hills are resilient to Zone 5.
Catmints typically grow best in sandy, well-drained soils, although they will grow almost anywhere that isn’t moist. Late in the growing season, they can become rangy, and regular trimming is beneficial to prevent the taller forms from flopping in the rain.
Today, catmint merits another look as a natural pest deterrent for eco-friendly dwellings. wherever there is a chance of infestation, plant. Kittie won’t overdose, though, as cats all seem to have a sense of proportion.
Catmint—is it a native plant?
Catmint is a variety of species and hybrids of the herbaceous perennial Lamiaceae (mint) family. Eastern Tropical Africa and Macaronesia are where catmint first appeared. Due to its potent aroma, which cats find alluring, catmint is known as such.
It needs full sun and good drainage for catmint. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and shallow rocky soil, and will flourish there. Shear off fading blooms to promote fresh growth and a subsequent blooming wave. Catmint tends to group together. It can be multiplied via division or seed.
Catmint is a plant that is commonly used in gardens to deter pests like aphids and squash bugs. The edible leaves have a minty flavor.
Catmint thrives in meadows, native regions, and cottage gardens thanks to its spreading shape. It thrives in pots, where it is positioned between rocks in a rock garden, or where it is planted alongside sidewalks.
There are no serious issues with insects, diseases, or other plant issues, though it can be a little weedy.
Where does wild catmint grow?
Nepeta cataria, sometimes referred to as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a member of the genus Nepeta and family Lamiaceae. It is a native of southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and some regions of China. In northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America, it has become widely naturalized. [1][2][3][4][5] The genus as a whole can also be referred to by the popular name catmint.
Due of the strong attraction that approximately two thirds of cats have to it, the names catnip and catmint were created (alternative plants exist).
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[7] In addition to being used with cats, catnip is prized for its hypnotic and relaxing qualities and is a common ingredient in several herbal teas (or tisanes). [8] [9]
Is catnip a New England native?
American colonists were accustomed to using catnip as a medicine, either topically or in baths or tea. Despite being of Eurasian origin, catnip naturalized fast and was recorded to have escaped in Virginia by 1739 and New England in 1670.
Where is catnip originally from?
The mint family (Lamiaceae), which includes the robust and weedy perennial herb catnip, is hardy in zones 3-9. Nepeta cataria is one of numerous species that are referred to collectively as catmints, and it has been widely naturalized throughout temperate regions of the world. Most cats are drawn to the aromatic leaves of this plant, which are typically found in disturbed areas like roadside or field edges, along streams, or on waste ground, but many people are not fond of their pungent odor, which has been variously described as a combination of thyme and oregano to “mildly pungent.
Catnip has a rangy habit and upright, branching branches with green to gray-green foliage. It shares with other members of the mint family the distinctive square stems and opposing leaves with 1-inch petioles. Fine hairs are seen on the petioles and stems of the light green plants. The up to 3 inch long triangular to ovate leaves have crenate margins, which are rough teeth, and are cordate at the base. Fine hairs cover both the upper and bottom surfaces, and the upper side clearly reveals a reticulated network of veins. In the winter, plants wither to the ground, and in the early spring, new stems appear. Under ideal circumstances, plants can reach heights and widths of up to 3 feet, and they can also establish colonies from their short rhizomes.
Anytime from late spring through fall, plants can flower, and they will bloom for one to two months. On spike-like terminal racemes, the tiny blooms (about 1/3 inch long) are carried in tightly clustered whorls. The characteristic of the mint family, individual bilabiate (two-lipped) flowers are white with light purple or pink spots on the lower lip. The lower lip has three lobes, including a bigger middle lobe with a frilly outer edge, compared to the little upper lip’s two lobes. Numerous various sorts of butterflies, wasps, flies, and bees of all kinds visit the nectar-rich blooms. After the initial flowering, shearing encourages subsequent blooming.
Seed capsules that each contain four smooth, ovoid nutlets stand in for the flowers. Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds might visit the plants if they aren’t deadheaded. Although this plant easily reproduces and can be an annoyance in some places, it is not typically regarded as an invasive species in Wisconsin. After flowering, cut the plants all the way down to prevent them from reseeding.
Catnip is typically planted for house cats because it is not very well known for its ornamental features. It is also occasionally produced to attract butterflies. Nepeta x faassenii or Nepeta racemosa, which have showier flowers and better behavior (though less alluring leaves for cats), make much better ornamentals, but N. cateria could be combined with other perennials in the border in the same way that the other catmints can “included in a herb garden, or a cat-friendly yard. Containers may also be used to grow it. Regular pruning will make the plant more compact and less weedy looking.
Although catnip does well in poor soils and some shade, it grows best in full sun and medium, well-drained soil. The amount of soil fertility and moisture have a big impact on plant size. Once it has grown, this plant can withstand droughts to some extent. If cultivated as an ornamental, pinching will aid in the development of a more dense, well-shaped plant as the plants shoot up in the spring. Deer do not favor it, although stray cats may cause damage to it (mainly breaking the stems when rolling on the plant). Others advise keeping the plant in a hanging basket to keep it out of reach, while someone advised covering it with an elegant bird cage to keep cats away. It is easily multiplied by division of mature plants or seed that is introduced indoors a few weeks before the final frost. University of Wisconsin-Madison student Susan Mahr
Will catmint saturate my yard?
something that belongs to the mint family. such as peppermint, chocolate mint, and spearmint. I should point out that if left to their own devices, the majority of mint family members will spread rather aggressively.
Through underground runners, herbs like mint, oregano, pennyroyal, and even thyme can swiftly take over the garden. They might be challenging to get rid of since any leftover tiny roots can develop into complete plants.
What distinguishes catnip and catmint from one another?
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.