is catnip a perennial

What plant is even more irresistible to cats than catnip?

Catnip: The plant that is irresistible to cats. All types of cats from our domestic pets to lions and tigers are highly sensitive to a volatile oil found in the stems and leaves of the catnip plant. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family native to Europe that contains various volatile oils and other compounds.

Does catnip really make cats 'high'?

While catnip can certainly cause a cat to feel high and experience a type of euphoria, Dr. Nancy Dunkle, founder of Exclusively Cats Veterinary Hospital in Medford, N.J., told PetMD that it is not comparable to the effect or ways in which humans experience drug use or addiction. Particularly, cats do not hallucinate while using catnip.

What is catnip and how does it affect your cat?

Catnip is a plant—known scientifically as Nepeta cataria —that is a member of the mint family. The active ingredient is called nepetalactone, which many domestic cats respond to in a variety of different ways. (Fun fact: It affects big cats like lions and tigers as well.) The plant produces this chemical (nepetalactone) in microscopic bulbs ...

Is catnip like marijuana for cats?

While several cat owners out there think marijuana is just another form of catnip, it's true that there is a drastic difference. Catnip is a plant that comes from the mint family. The perennial herb has downy leaves, purple-spotted white flowers, and a pungent smell that makes cats go crazy when smelled and sleepy when eaten.

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Does catnip come back every year?

Cat lovers who possess a green thumb can grow catnip from seed after the last hard frost of the season. Catnip grows best in a sunny location and doesn't require much maintenance. As a perennial, this herbaceous flowering plant will return each year with proper care.

Can catnip plant survive winter?

Catnip grows as a loosely branching, low perennial, which means it will die back in the winter in most areas and then come back in the spring.

How do you winterize catnip?

Catnip Winter Care In late fall, prep your catnip for winter by trimming it back. Cut the stems down to just a few inches (8 cm.), and especially trim back any new growth so it won't get damaged in the cold. Give the plant a last, long drink of water and then don't water it over the winter.

Will catnip spread?

Catnip can get quite invasive, spreading rapidly through a bed. To avoid this, you can plant the herb in a container and then bury it near catnip companion plants. Obviously, the herb may attract cats to your garden, but the flowers also attract honeybees.

Is catnip an indoor or outdoor plant?

Catnip is a perennial plant that generally grows 2 to 3 feet tall when grown outdoors. Indoors, providing you give it enough direct sunlight and the right amount of water, it might grow up to 2 feet tall but not as tall when grown outdoors.

Will catnip attract cats?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains nepetalactone, a chemical that attracts many cats, including tigers and other wild felines. Cats typically react by rolling or chewing on the leaves, or by rubbing against the plant. They may even get a little crazy if you have traces of catnip on your shoes.

Is catnip a mosquito repellent?

While catnip is a common herb that is often used in cat toys and treats—due to its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects on our domesticated felines—it has also long been known for its powerful repellent action on insects, and mosquitoes in particular.

Should you let catnip flower?

Catnip plants spread readily by seed, so in order to control its spread, you'll need to remove the flowers before they go to seed. Growing catnip can be rewarding. Now that you know a few facts about how to grow catnip, you (and your cat) can enjoy this wonderful herb.

Does catnip go dormant?

Watering. At the same time you do your fall pruning, give your catnip plant a last drink of water. This deep, extra watering allows it to go into dormancy without suffering stress from lack of water. Stressed plants are more vulnerable to cold snaps, wind and other harsh conditions.

What should not be planted near catnip?

However, never plant it near rue. Catnip. This plant repels aphids, flea beetles, ants, cabbage looper, squash bug, Colorado potato beetle, and Japanese beetles. However, it is very invasive and can overtake your garden.

Can I plant catnip in my garden?

Catnip is easy to grow, and although it doesn't send out runners like other plants of the mint family, catnip sheds significant seeds as it grows. These easily turn into volunteer seedlings which can be either composted or moved to a desired location.

Do bees like catnip?

Both catnip and catmint attract bees and other beneficial insects. Catnip usually only blooms once each season, but when it does, it attracts bees and other nectar feeders.

Where does catnip come from?

Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China.

What are the effects of catnip on cats?

Effects of catnip on most domestic cats include rolling, pawing, and frisking. For cats not biologically affected by catnip, several alternatives exist, including valerian root and leaves, silver vine, and Tatarian honeysuckle wood.

What is a Nepeta cataria?

Nepeta cataria is a short-lived perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to be 50–100 cm (20–40 in) tall and wide, which blooms from late spring through autumn. In appearance, N. cataria resembles a typical member of the mint family of plants, featuring brown-green foliage with the characteristic square stem of the plant family Lamiaceae. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to elliptical in shape. The small, bilabiate flowers of N. cataria are fragrant and are either pink in color or white with fine spots of pale purple.

What is catmint used for?

In addition to its uses with cats, catnip is a popular ingredient in herbal teas (or tisanes), and is valued for its sedative and relaxant properties.

What plants can cats eat?

The behavior is hereditary. Other plants that have a catnip-like effect on cats include valerian ( Valeriana officinalis) root and leaves; silver vine ( Actinidia polygama ), or matatabi, popular in Asia; and Tatarian honeysuckle ( Lonicera tatarica) wood.

Where is Nepeta native to?

cataria. Binomial name. Nepeta cataria. L. Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China.

Is Nepeta cataria a deer repellent?

It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies. The plant is drought-tolerant and deer -resistant. It can be a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs.

What is the common name for catnip?

Plant taxonomy classifies catnip plants as Nepeta cataria. Note that the common name "catmint" is preferred in the U.K. It may be tempting to use the two names interchangeably, but in the U.S., " catmint " typically refers to one of the ornamental relatives of N. cataria. Fewer cats are attracted to ornamental types. In any case, look for the scientific or botanical name when shopping for plants to be sure you get the right type of catnip.

What is catnip used for?

A member of the mint family, catnip is also used in food and herbal remedies. For example, tea made from the leaves and flowers of Nepeta cataria is said to relieve coughs. The oil extracted from catnip plants is even used in natural mosquito repellents .

How to grow catnip from seed?

Catnip seeds have tough coats, and you'll improve the chance of success by first stratifying the seeds. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and keep them in the freezer for a month. Take them out and let them thaw, then freeze them again for another month. Prior to planting, thaw the seeds in warm water overnight.

How to keep catnip from blooming?

To prevent the plant from blooming, simply pinch off the top of the plant when flowers start to form. To avoid damage from unwelcome neighborhood cats, consider protecting your catnip with some type of enclosure. Insects and rodents are not a problem, and catnip does not tend to suffer diseases.

How long does it take for catnip to grow?

How to Plant Catnip. Catnip can be planted in your garden in spring or fall, from seed or plants. It will sprout in two to three weeks if started from seed. Cutting back the plants after the first bloom set will allow enough time for it to completely regrow and bloom again.

What is the name of the plant that grows to about 1 foot tall?

Nepeta mussinii: Attractive ornamental plant that grows to about 1 foot tall; often used as a ground cover and also attracts butterflies. Nepeta x faassenii: Produces oval, intricately veined, gray-green leaves and abundant lavender flowers, from spring through autumn; not as invasive as other Nepeta species.

Why do cats roll in catnip?

In fact, simply smelling catnip is often enough to cause cats to react to it, which is why you sometimes see them rolling in it. The resulting "drug trip" is a reaction to the chemical nepetalactone.

What is catnip?

7 Things to Know About Catnip. Morieka Johnson is a former writer who covered pet products, health, and training. She created Soulpup, a website about responsible pet ownership. Catnip is an herb that has an animated effect on most cats. For cats that are sensitive to the plant, just a sniff will put them in a state of euphoria for ...

How tall does a catnip plant grow?

Cats are drawn to the scent of the catnip plant and some enjoy chewing on the leaves. The plant grows to a height of two to three feet, and will spread easily if not contained. In colder regions, catnip plants die back in the winter and return in the spring. 2.

How long does catnip last?

The effects of catnip usually last for around 10 minutes .

What is the best plant for cats?

For most cats, it’s catnip. Here are seven things every cat lover should know about this mysterious plant that drives cats batty. 1. Catnip Is a Perennial Plant. A member of the mint family, catnip ( Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb that grows throughout the United States.

How old do kittens have to be to drink catnip?

Kittens younger than three to six months don’t usually react to catnip so you won’t know if your kitten has the sensitivity prior to that age. 6. Some People Drink Catnip Tea. Some believe that catnip is an effective herbal remedy for headaches and insomnia in humans.

Does catnip cause chemical reactions?

Catnip Triggers Chemical Reactions in Cats ’ Brains. The active ingredients in catnip that cause playful, energetic reactions in cats are called nepetalactones. Catnip is one of the plants in the genus Nepeta that naturally produces nepetalactones. The colorless oils of the plant also act as an insect repellant.

Does catnip cause vomiting?

For some people, catnip may induce sleep, while in others, it has a stimulative effect. In addition, just as in cats, too much catnip can cause vomiting in humans. 7.

When should I plant catnip?

The best time for planting catnip starts or divisions is in either the spring or fall. Catnip plants should be planted 18 to 20 inches (45.5. to 51 cm.) apart.

How long does it take for catnip seeds to sprout?

This can be done by first placing the seeds in the freezer overnight and then placing the seeds in a bowl of water for 24 hours.

Can you grow catnip in a garden?

Planting Catnip – How To Grow Catnip. Catnip plants ( Nepeta cataria) can help make your garden a cat-friendly garden. The catnip herb is a perennial member of the mint family that is best known for being attractive to cats, but can also be used in soothing teas. Growing catnip is easy, but there are some things you need to know about how ...

Can catnip be invasive?

Catnip can become invasive in some areas, so you need to take steps to control it. Catnip plants spread readily by seed, so in order to control its spread, you’ll need to remove the flowers before they go to seed. Growing catnip can be rewarding.

Do you need to fertilize catnip?

They don’t need to be fertilized, as fertilizer can decrease the potency of their smell and flavor. They only need to be provided with water beyond rainfall if you are growing catnip in pots, or if you are having drought conditions. Catnip can become invasive in some areas, so you need to take steps to control it.

Can you plant catnip seeds indoors?

This process will damage the seed coat and will make it much easier for the catnip seeds to sprout. After you have stratified the seeds, you can plant them indoors or outdoors. Thin them to one plant per 20 inches (51 cm.) after they sprout. You can also plant catnip from plant divisions or started plants.

What is catnip in gardening?

She participated in several local municipal garden days where she set up a booth to educate citizens about the joy of gardening. Print. Catnip is a perennial herb well-known for its ability to drive felines crazy.

How tall does catnip get?

This is the one you want if your main objective is to please your feline friends or if you’re growing catnip for its medicinal uses. It gets about 3 feet tall and has white blossoms with a faint purple spotting. True catnip is native to Europe, but it has naturalized across the U.S.

Why do my catnip plants have white powder?

Powdery mildew causes plants to become covered in a fine, white powder. Make sure plants have lots of good air circulation, water at the base of plants, water in the morning so catnip has time to dry, and apply neem oil during the wet season.

What is the name of the flower that is purple?

It tends to have a bushier growth habit and to have showier flowers. The blossom s are purple, unlike catnip’s flowers, which are usually white.

How long does it take for catnip to germinate?

Start catnip indoors a few weeks before you want to plant. Seeds germinate within 5-10 days.

What to do if cats tramp over catnip?

If you have a problem with cats trampling all over your catnip, use netting to cover it, and prevent damage. If netting doesn’t work, use sturdier protection like chicken wire to keeps cats away.

Is catnip a pheromone?

What it’s less known for is its potential to help with a variety of human ailments, from anxiety to migraines. Whether you’re wanting a treat for the kitties or an addition to the medicine cabinet, growing catnip is the answer. The plant belongs to the mint family and contains nepetalactone, which is chemically similar to cat pheromones.

What is a Nepeta catmint?

Nepeta ×faassenii (Faassen’s catmint): By far, the most popular cultivars grown for ornamental use belong to this hybrid, which has sterile flowers that won’t self-sow and don’t require deadheading.

What is the best herb to use for house cats?

White with purple spotted flowers bloom in clusters at the end of stems from late spring into summer. Its leaves have been used for many years as a medicinal herb and is loved by housecats. Catnip also acts as a repellent for many garden pests including aphids and squash bugs.

How tall is Nepeta racemosa?

Ranging in height from 12 to 18 inches, it is often used as a colorful groundcover.

Why do I need to deadhead my plants?

Deadheading is unnecessary to prevent self-sowing because the seeds of hybrids are sterile.

How big is a lily?

Height/Spread: 2 to 2½ feet tall, 2½ to 3 feet wide. Don’t let the name fool you. This lovely cultivar, dubbed after the garden in Ireland where it originated, bears upright plumes of lavender-blue flowers nearly a foot long. It blooms profusely for months on end, from late spring through midsummer.

When do periwinkle blue flowers bloom?

A striking combination of periwinkle blue flowers enshrouded in dark purple calyces create an impressive show from late spring until the first frost. Will nearly double in breadth (to over 2 feet across) the second season after planting, quickly filling in your garden’s bare spots.

Do Japanese catmints need water?

Water requirements: Water new plants or transplants regularly through their first growing season until they become established. After that, they will very rarely need supplemental watering. Japanese catmints ( N. subsessilis) will benefit from regular watering to keep the soil moist.

Overview

Description

Nepeta cataria is a short-lived perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to be 50–100 cm (20–40 in) tall and wide, and that blooms from late spring through autumn. In appearance, N. cataria resembles a typical member of the mint family of plants, featuring brown-green foliage with the characteristic square stem of the plant family Lamiaceae. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to elliptical in shape. The small, bilabiate flowers of N. cataria are fragrant and are eith…

Taxonomy

Uses

Further reading

External links