Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Catnip is a hardy, easy-growing mint-family herb famous for the euphoric reaction it triggers in many cats. It also makes a mild herbal tea and is a useful pollinator and pest-repelling plant.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low to moderate; drought-tolerant
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Catnip is a hardy herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae), best known for the volatile compound nepetalactone, which produces a temporary euphoric response in roughly two-thirds of domestic cats (and some big cats).
The plant forms a bushy, gray-green clump 50-100 cm tall, with a slightly musky, minty aroma. It is sometimes distinguished from the more compact, showier ornamental 'catmints' (other Nepeta species and hybrids), though all share the catnip name.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Heart-shaped to triangular, gray-green, with scalloped/toothed edges and a soft, downy underside, in opposite pairs
- Aroma: Musky, minty smell when crushed
- Stems: Square and branching, often slightly hairy
- Flowers: Small white to pale lavender, spotted with purple, in spikes at the stem tips
- Habit: Bushy, somewhat sprawling clump 50-100 cm tall
Care & growing
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established and dislikes soggy soil
- Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates poor ground
- Temperature: Very hardy, roughly zones 3-9
- Feeding: Rarely needed
- Propagation: Easy from seed, division or cuttings; cut back after flowering to keep it tidy and encourage fresh growth. Can self-seed
Habitat & origin
Catnip is native to Europe, Central Asia and parts of the Middle East, growing wild on roadsides, dry banks and disturbed ground. It has naturalized widely across North America and other temperate regions.
It is grown in herb gardens, pollinator plantings and pots, and is cultivated commercially to supply dried catnip for cat toys and treats.
Uses & benefits
Catnip's most famous use is as a feline stimulant — dried leaves are stuffed into toys or sprinkled out as a treat, harmlessly delighting many cats. For humans, it makes a mild, calming herbal tea traditionally used to ease tension and aid sleep and digestion.
The nepetalactone in catnip also has notable insect-repellent properties (it deters mosquitoes), and the flowers are excellent for attracting bees and other pollinators.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cats react to catnip?
They respond to nepetalactone, an oil in the leaves and stems, which triggers a temporary, harmless euphoric reaction. About two-thirds of cats are genetically sensitive to it.
Is catnip safe for cats?
Yes, it is non-toxic and not addictive. Cats self-regulate, and the effect simply wears off after a few minutes.
Can people use catnip?
Yes. It is traditionally brewed as a mild, calming herbal tea for relaxation and digestion, and has insect-repellent properties.
How do I grow catnip if cats keep destroying it?
Protect young plants with a cage or grow them out of reach until established, since cats roll on and chew the foliage. Mature plants usually recover from light damage.
Catnip guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Catnip.
