Description
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, is a herbaceous perennial that grows easily throughout most of North America. It grows in clumps, with square stems and gray-green, triangular to oval leaves that are about 3 inches long and have toothed edges. Late spring to early autumn sees the appearance of flower spikes with clusters of little white blooms with faint purple streaks.
Habitat
Nepeta cataria is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to portions of China, the Middle East, Central Asia, and southern and eastern Europe. It is also known by the names catnip, catswort, and catmint. In North America, New Zealand, and northern Europe, it has become widely naturalized.
Uses
Catnip was historically used to treat gas, diarrhea, and cramping in the stomach. It is claimed to ease digestive tract spasms in the muscles. The digestive tract may be calmed by consuming catnip tea. Catnip tea has been used traditionally by many groups of people to help newborns sleep through the night and reduce colic.
Varieties
Besides Nepeta cataria, there are several plants that go by the name catnip, including:
Nepeta citriodora: Also called lemon catnip, this plant has a scent similar to lemons and grows slightly smaller than Nepeta cataria.
Nepeta camphorata: Also known as camphor catnip, this plant doesn’t become much taller than two feet in diameter.
Nepeta parnassica: Also referred to as Greek catnip, this plant grows light pink blooms and is less than two feet tall and wide.
Plant Care
- Light
Full daylight, or at least six hours of direct sunlight most days, is what catnip prefers. A lack of light can result in lanky growth and scant leaves. Catnip does not perform well in really hot weather, though. Thus, provide your catnip with some shade from the intense afternoon light if you reside in a hot environment.
- Soil
As long as they have adequate drainage, these plants don’t care too much about the soil. They may survive in dry, stony, and low soils. The ideal pH range for a well-draining sandy or loamy soil is 6.1 to 7.8, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
- Water
Although catnip can withstand severe droughts, it can be killed by sitting in soggy soil. Seedlings should have somewhat damp but not saturated soil. Most mature plants won’t require watering unless there is an extended dry spell. Water your catnip deeply if the leaves are wilting.
- Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for catnip is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Humid, hot weather usually makes the plant difficult to grow. Make sure there is adequate air circulation surrounding the plant, particularly in high humidity levels, to help inhibit the growth of fungi.
- Fertilizer
When planting, incorporate some compost into the soil to help your catnip grow stronger. Catnip usually doesn’t need to be fed again after that. However, if your soil is extremely poor, you can apply a layer of compost every spring or use an all-purpose liquid plant food (use the amount recommended on the product label).
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