Catnip, Catmint, True Catnip
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Lamiales, Family: Lamiaceae, Genus: Nepeta, Species: Nepeta cataria · Lamiaceae (Mint family) · Simple, deciduous perennial
Species
Nepeta cataria
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous perennial
Family
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Shape
Deltoid to ovate-cordate (triangular to heart-shaped)
Size
Approximately 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long; the specimen shown is within the typical mature size range.
Margin
Coarsely serrate or dentate (prominent, rounded to pointed teeth)
Arrangement
Opposite (pairs emerging from the same node at 90-degree angles) on a characteristic square stem.
Rarity
Very Common; often considered a weed in many regions or a staple in herb gardens.
Color & Pattern
Dull grayish-green on the upper surface; the underside often appears lighter due to dense fine hairs. No variegation is present.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate and reticulate; veins are deeply impressed on the upper surface giving a wrinkled or rugose appearance.
Texture & Surface
Soft and downy (pubescent) with fine hairs on both sides, giving it a velvety feel.
Description
A herbaceous perennial growing 2-3 feet tall with square, branched stems. It produces small, two-lipped white to pale lavender flowers with purple spots in dense terminal spikes. The entire plant has a distinct, pungent aromatic scent when bruised.
Key Features
Square stem, opposite triangular-toothed leaves, soft fuzzy texture, and a characteristic minty-skunky odor.
Habitat
Disturbed areas, roadsides, fields, and gardens; prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China; widely naturalized in North America.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears healthy with good turgor. There is a small purple flower spike visible at the apex, indicating it is in its reproductive phase (summer). Health grade: Excellent.
Interesting Facts
Contains the feline attractant nepetalactone, which triggers a euphoric response in about 70-80% of domestic cats. It was also once used as a popular tea before Chinese tea became widely available in Europe.
Medicinal & Uses
Used in traditional herbalism as a mild sedative tea to treat insomnia, anxiety, and digestive upset. It is also planted in gardens to attract pollinators and deter certain pests like aphids and squash bugs.
Ecological Role
Extremely attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It provides a nectar source throughout the mid-to-late summer.
Similar Species
Other mints (Mentha spp.) have square stems but different scents; Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is low-creeping; Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has a distinct lemon scent and glossier leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for the square stem and fuzzy triangular leaves in mid-summer. Crush a leaf; if it smells like a mix of mint and old thyme that makes your cat crazy, it is Catnip.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and cats. However, excessive consumption may cause upset stomach in some pets. Not recommended in large medicinal doses for pregnant women.