Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genusNepeta in the familyLamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts 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]
invasive Nepeta cataria?
While Nepeta cataria is regarded as a wildflower in other locations where it has naturalized, it is on the watch list for invasive species for the state of Kentucky in the central US.
Are catmint and nepeta the same thing?
These two plants can be mistaken for one another by using different names, although they are actually distinct species. Catnip is Nepeta cataria, while catmint is Nepeta mussinii, both of which are members of the mint family. The following are some further variations and parallels between the two plants:
While catmint is frequently used as a lovely, flowering perennial in beds, catnip has a weedier aspect.
Catnip blooms less frequently than catmint. Typically, catnip blooms are white. Flowers on catmint are lavender.
Do perennials include Nepeta cataria?
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
Is catnip and nepeta 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.
How is Nepeta cataria grown?
Prepared to cultivate your own catnip? Catnip is a herb that is mostly found in North America in the wild. As the plant reproduces even in locations where it is not planted as a perennial, it is incredibly simple to grow and even has a reputation for being somewhat invasive. Catnip has a poor reputation among some gardeners, especially those who don’t appreciate how rapidly the herbaceous perennial may take over a flower bed or piece of land due to its propensity to spread out and occupy new territory.
Nepetalactone is the chemical substance that the catnip plant produces that makes it so entertaining for some felines, and it has two different effects on different cats depending on how much of it they take. Catnip can act as a sedative on vulnerable felines once consumed. On the other hand, when some sensitive cats smell catnip, the herb can cause them to become incredibly energized. Some felines become addicted to the herb and may even prevent other felines from entering an area where catnip is growing or has been sprinkled. As with all wonderful things, catnip should be used sparingly, so make sure no cat ever has access to the area of your garden that is specifically designated for them.
Because it is possible for a cat to consume too much catnip and experience an unpleasant reaction, we advise against giving your pets free access to the catnip supply. In rare instances, cats who consume too much catnip may react by becoming ill and exhibiting symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea.
So use catnip cautiously.
Use this plant to teach your cats the pleasures of indulgence balanced with moderation and restraint by occasionally cutting off a sprig or two to offer to your cat. And if you do occasionally give your cat catnip to induce delirium, don’t forget to grab your phone and capture your cat’s response to the herb. YouTube users urgently need another amusing cat video!
Growing Conditions for Catnip
Catnip is a perennial groundcover that can withstand dryness in USDA zones 3 through 9. The ideal growing conditions for catnip plants range from full sun to some shade. Almost any soil type will support this herb, but catnip prefers a moderately rich, slightly alkaline loam. If planted in sandy soil or in a hydroponic system, it will create a more aromatic perfume (making it even more attractive to cats). Catnip performs surprisingly well in partial shade as well as full sun, so the major care issue should be if the soil where you planted catnip has enough drainage. Standing water is not a favorite of catnip. You might need to build a boundary, such as a fence or enclosure, to keep out any undesirable stray or visiting cats who might come sniffing around your catnip plants uninvitedly if you want to keep your catnip patch safe from neighboring cats.
How to Plant Catnip
In the late fall or early spring, scatter your catnip seeds in rows and lightly cover them with soil. The rows will result in a substantial population when sowed in the fall. Catnip seedlings should germinate in seven to ten days if you sow them from seeds. You should thin the rows so that each plant stands between 12 and 18 inches apart once the seedlings’ shoots have grown to a height of five inches. New catnip plants can be grown from stem cuttings, through root division, or from seeds. After the last possibility of frost for the year has passed, catnip seeds can be started indoors and seedlings can be moved to more permanent locations outside.
Care of Catnip
Maintaining the health and strength of your catnip plants and other herbs requires regular pruning and shaping. Early in the spring, remove the spent stems from the previous year. After the first flowering cycle is over, totally chop the plant down. You shouldn’t feel bad if you use this chance to prune your catnip plant. When the following growth season arrives, it will be restored to its original height and generating new blooms once more.
Garden Pests and Diseases of Catnip
The primary insects that catnip is known to draw to your garden area are predatory insects that will eat any other pests in the area as well as beneficial insects like bees and butterflies that will help pollinate your plants.
Videos About Growing Catnip
For a tutorial on how to produce catnip in your backyard garden for the sake of your personal health as well as the welfare of your cats, watch this video:
Watch the following video to discover how to sow and grow catnip from seed:
This movie explores the science of catnip, a popular plant among cats, and provides an explanation of what catnip does to cats.