Nepeta
Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city. There are about 250 species. The genus is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and has also naturalized in North America.
Lamiaceae
The Lamiaceae or Labiatae are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint or deadnettle or sage family. Many of the plants are aromatic in all parts and include widely used culinary herbs, such as basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, hyssop, thyme, laven…
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is the eastern part of the European continent. There is no consistent definition of the precise area it covers, partly because the term has a wide range of geopolitical, geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic connotations. There are "almost as many definitions of Eastern Europe a…
What is the scientific name of catmint?
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, 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 does a catmint plant look like?
Nepeta racemosa, commonly called catmint, is Native to the Caucusus and northern Iran. It is a low-growing perennial that typically forms a spreading clump of decumbent, ascending and upright stems to 12” tall and 18” wide. Features gray-green, hairy, ovate leaves (to 1” long) with crenate margins, prominent veining and heart-shaped bases.
Is catmint easy to grow?
Catmint (Nepeta) is a member of the mint family. It is an extremely easy growing plant with few pests or problems. The billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season.
What is the history of catmint?
The herb that is most often called catmint originated in the nursery of J.H. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. He developed the earliest hybrids in the Nepeta genus. Patricia Taylor discovered the Walker’s Low cultivar of catmint in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to England.
Is catmint native to North America?
This plant is originally from Europe and Asia, where it was long used by humans in cooking as well as in herbal medicine. Nowadays, catnip is grown as an ornamental and commercially for its oils and leaves. European immigrants likely brought the plant to North America, where it is now considered naturalized.
Is catmint an invasive plant?
The true catmint species described above is a big invasive plant. It reaches three feet tall, producing sparse white flowers. There is little going for it aesthetically, and it's typically relegated to herb gardens. It's hardy to Zone 3 making an exceptional choice for northern gardens.
Where does catmint grow in the wild?
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. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America.
Is there a native catmint?
Yellow catmint (N. govaniana) – Native to the Himalayas, this hard-to-find variety has yellow flowers which bloom later in the summer. Veined Nepeta (N. nervosa) – Native to India, this species grows one to two feet tall and is characterized by strong veins on three- to four-inch long leaves.
Is catmint poisonous to dogs?
(Nepeta) It may be called catmint, but it's dog-friendly too! It's one of the longest-blooming perennials on the market, providing over 5 months of flowers. It has strong stems, so it can handle some disturbance from a curious dog.
Does catmint attract cats?
Catmint vs. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a common, white-flowered plant in the mint family found throughout the United States, especially in disturbed areas. Cats love to roll in these low-growing plants, and cat toys filled with the dried leaves are famous for driving cats wild.
Do hummingbirds like catmint?
Catmint is easy to grow, long-blooming, heat-tolerant, and deer- and pest-resistant. After the hummingbird flowers fade, shear off the spent blooms and about a third of the stalk for a second round. Why we love it: Hummingbirds especially like Siberian catmint's blue blooms (Nepeta sibirica).
Does catmint repel deer?
Catmint thrives where other plants often struggle. Give this sun-loving herb a little space and at least partial sun (or more), and watch it flower throughout summer. This useful plant is a natural deer repellent. Add it in your garden to keep deer from damaging other plants.
Are catnip and catmint the same?
It can be easy to mistake these two plants as simply different names for the same thing, but they are, in fact, different plants. Both are part of the mint family and both belong to the Nepeta genus – catnip is Nepeta cataria and catmint is Nepeta mussinii.
Is catmint good for bees?
Catmint boasts colorful blue-lavender flowers and fragrant gray-green foliage. It's drought-tolerant. It was named Plant of the Year in 2007 by the Perennial Plant Association. Best of all, bees love it.
Can humans eat catmint leaves?
Edibility and culinary use of Catmint This plant is edible and it even has some medicinal benefits for us too. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a soothing herbal tea with a mild minty taste and a sweet fragrance. Alternatively, you can also eat young cat mints leaves.
Should catmint be cut back?
Even though it can be unsightly in winter, prune catmint in spring or once you know the growing season is truly over. Cutting it back even late in the season encourages it to resprout, and that new growth is susceptible to cold.
Does catmint spread quickly?
Catmints are fast-growing plants. When they first begin in spring, they form tidy little mounds of neat new foliage. This quickly grows outward as plants begin to set their buds for their flower show. One of the most common varieties grown is called 'Walker's Low.
Does cat's Pajamas catmint spread?
It reaches a compact height of twelve to fourteen inches with a spread of eighteen to twenty inches. The size of the Cat's Pajamas Catmint makes it perfect for almost any space. Use is as a border plant, in mass planting, edging, in containers.
Does catmint attract bees?
Deer and most other herbivores are not attracted to catmint. Most gardeners consider it a good perennial border plant. 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.
Will catnip take over my garden?
As a member of the mint family, catnip is also known for its aggressive growth and ability to quickly take over a garden or growing space. Growing it in containers is a great way to keep this aggressive growth under control.
What is the name of the catmint plant?
The most popular catmint cultivars grown commercially in this country belong to the hybrid Nepeta x faassenii. The plants are named for J. H. Faassen, a Dutch nurseryman, in whose nursery this hybrid first appeared. The flowers of N. x Faassenii are sterile and do not need to be deadheaded to prevent self-sowing.
What is the family of catmints?
Emerging Catmint Foliage. This herbaceous perennial is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), which includes lavender, rosemary, thyme, bee balm and giant hyssop. In addition to having aromatic leaves, these plants share other common traits, such as two-lipped flowers, square stems and opposite leaves.
How tall does a Nepeta plant grow?
Veined Nepeta ( N. nervosa) – Native to India, this species grows one to two feet tall and is characterized by strong veins on three- to four-inch long leaves.
What color is catmint?
Catmint blends well with most other colors but looks particularly appealing when paired with colors in the red-blue color spectrum. In my own garden, it looks stunning planted with irises. In particular, it pairs well with the medium lavender-blue iris ‘Crater Lake’ and with the blue-violet hues of iris ‘Swingtown.’.
How tall is a Siberian catmint?
Siberian catmint ( N. sibirica) – Tall ( two to three feet) upright plant with large green leaves and rich blue flowers.
Is catmint a good substitute for lavender?
While the two are closely related, catnip is more aromatic than cat mint but has less ornamental value. Catmint plays well with others. If you love the classic combination of lavender and roses but find lavender too finicky to grow in this area, catmint is a good substitute.
Is catmint a perennial?
Catmint — A “Must-Have” Perennial. April 2015 - Vol 1. No. 4. If you’re looking for a perennial that is long blooming, heat tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, and easy to grow, then allow me to recommend catmint (or Nepeta) to you. After years of experimenting with drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plantings, ...
Where did catmint originate?
The herb that is most often called catmint originated in the nursery of J.H. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. He developed the earliest hybrids in the Nepeta genus. Patricia Taylor discovered the Walker’s Low cultivar of catmint in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to England.
What is catmint nepeta?
Catmint is Nepeta faassenii; catnip is Nepeta cataria. Catmint is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Ne peta nepetella. All Nepetas produce nepetalactone, which is the compound that causes the well-known reaction in cats but Nepeta cataria contains much more of it.
What is the name of the herb that cats like?
Before Rome’s rise, the country of Etruria was the center of Etruscan civilization. There are over 200 plants in the Nepeta genus. Catmint is a close relative of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats. They won’t go as crazy for catmint as they would for catnip.
What plants did the English make tea from?
In any other state, the plants do not interest them. Before Chinese tea became popular in the U.K., the English would make tea from catmint. It was considered a stimulant and able to make gentle people fierce. Nepeta plants were brought to North America by the European colonists.
Where did Nepeta come from?
Nepeta plants were brought to North America by the European colonists. Several Native American tribes embraced the herb for its medicinal benefits. They used it to treat muscle cramps and for immune system support.
Is catmint good for you?
Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. Use catmint for treating or preventing these and other conditions: Insomnia: You can use catmint tea as a sleep aid; you can also use it to treat anxiety, which is a common cause of sleeplessness.
Is catmint a good mineral?
Catmint is valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains. Those compounds include: Vitamins: Like many in the mint family, catmint is an excellent source of vitamin C. It contains vitamins A and K as well. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. Use catmint for treating or preventing these ...
What is a catmint?
Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' (Catmint) Noted for its neat and tidy habit, Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' (Catmint) is a compact herbaceous perennial forming a dense, rounded clump of small, aromatic, gray-green leaves all season long.
What is the name of the catmint that blooms in the winter?
One of the most cold hardy of the catmints, award-winning Nepeta sibirica 'Souvenir d'André Chaudron' ( Catmint) is a compact, suckering perennial boasting loose spikes of lavender-blue flowers held in many whorls. Blooming over a long season extending from early summer until fall, they rise above the foliage of aromatic, lance-shaped, deep green leaves.
What is the tallest catmint?
Very free flowering and one of the tallest, Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint) is a vigorous herbaceous perennial noted for its billowing, aromatic, gray-green foliage that is topped with 9-12 in. spikes (22-30 cm) of rich violet-blue flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the growing season.
When does Nepeta racemosa bloom?
Award-winning Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' (Catmint) is a popular herbaceous perennial noted for its massive lavender-blue blooms on short spikes, atop aromatic, gray-green foliage in early summer, continuing on and off through early fall if spent flowers are regularly removed .
Is Nepeta cataria a perennial?
Loved by many cats, Nepeta cataria (Catnip) is a vigorous herbaceous perennial forming a spreading clump of erect branched stems clad with aromatic, soft, oval to triangular, gray-green, toothed leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm). From late spring to early fall, they are topped with long, dense spikes of small white flowers spotted with violet.
Is Nepeta nervosa a catmint?
Fast-growing, eye-catching and heat tolerant, Nepeta nervosa 'Blue Moon' (Catmint) is a dwarf, compact form of catmint with a low spreading habit and a long blooming season. It produces large, dense, lavender flower spikes on full, bushy plants from early to late summer.
Where did catmint originate?
Catmint originated in Temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa. It came to be called catmint owing to having a strong scent that cats find attractive. Catmint requires full sun and good drainage. It is drought tolerant once established.
What is a catmint good for?
Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden.
Is catmint a good plant for meadows?
The minty-flavored leaves are edible. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens.
Is catmint a drought tolerant plant?
It is drought tolerant once established. It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. When flowers begin to fade, shear them off to encourage new growth and another wave of flowering. Catmint has a clumping habit. Propagate it by division or seed.
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.
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 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 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 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.
How do cats detect nepetalactone?
Cats detect nepetalactone through their olfactory epithelium, not through their vomeronasal organ. At the olfactory epithelium, the nepetalactone binds to one or more olfactory receptors .
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.
What is a catmint plant?
Landscape Uses for Catmint. Catmint is a classic choice for planting under roses. The pale colors of catmint complement most roses, and the soft, frilly foliage hides the ugly "knees" of the rose bush. Catmint is also a wonderful plant for edging, where it softens hard lines.
How big do catmints get?
Most catmints are floppy, bushy plants that mature at about 10 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. However, there are some varieties that are more compact, and there are others that will grow 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
What is the best catmint for cats?
Catnip ( Nepeta cataria) is a type of catmint and is arguably the best-known species in the Nepeta genus, at least among home gardeners. It's not the only type of catmint that makes cats loopy, but it's your best bet if that's your goal. Catnip has similar growing and care needs to other catmint plants and matures at 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It blooms from May to September and has white flowers spotted with pale purple. Catnip is relatively cold-hardy and grows well in zones 3 to 9.
How big does a six hills giant catmint grow?
'Six Hills Giant’ Nepeta x faassenii is one of the tallest-growing Nepetas and has lavender-blue flowers. It grows up to 36 inches tall and 30 inches wide, so be sure to give it plenty of room in your garden. Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams' features pink flowers with burgundy bracts.
How big does Nepeta racemosa grow?
It grows to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide . Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ has lavender-blue flowers with 8-inch spikes. This 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year reaches 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide and is one of the hardiest and most reliable Nepetas. Nepeta recemosa 'Little Titch' is a dwarf variety with pale blue flowers.
What flowers pair well with catmint?
Catmint plants will gracefully spill over walls and walkways and are great for providing contrast to spiky plants like iris and yucca. The pastel blues of many catmint flowers pair well with pink and yellow flowers, such as those of daylilies and yarrow ( Achillea ).
How big does Sweet Dreams grow?
It grows up to 36 inches tall and 30 inches wide, so be sure to give it plenty of room in your garden. Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams' features pink flowers with burgundy bracts. This variety likes a bit more water than most Nepetas. It grows to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
