catnip
Family
LamiaceaeScientific Name
Nepeta cataria
Other Common Names:
field balm
catmint
catwort
Habit
This erect perennial can grow up to 5 ft in height, and flowers from June to September. It propagates both through seeds, and also by spreading roots.
Leaves
The leaves grow on square, branched stems. The 1 to 2 1/2 inch leaves are hairy on both surfaces and silvery underneath. Leaves are heart shaped and have jagged edges. Both stems and leaves are covered with white hairs, and when crushed, leaves smell strongly of mint.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant contains the chemical nepetalactone, which is concentrated in special glands on the leaf surfaces. It is this chemical that attracts cats to this plant. Catnip is also used in tea as a sedative or put in salads. The strong odor and white hairs are identification characteristics.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers occur in thick spikes at the ends of stems and branches. Individual flowers are whitish with lavender spots.
Seed Fruit
Fruit is dark brown with short hairs and 1.3 to 1.5 mm long. The small, black seeds are less than 1 mm in diameter.
Where Found
This plant is native to Europe and Asia, but has naturalized in North America. It prefers full sun, and dry soil in both waste and cultivated land.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
purple,
pink
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
heart
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
square or multi-edged
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
biennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb