Nepeta cataria is the true Catnip that is adored by cats. Don’t be surprised if you see your cats rolling around in it. Catnip grows in a spreading clump 2-3′ tall. Its stems are clad with aromatic leaves. Small, two-lipped, white flowers bloom in at the stem ends from late spring  into summer. Catnip is a vigorous, hardy perennial that spreads easily and is not particularly noted for its ornamental qualities in the garden.

As a medicinal herb, Catnip leaves are used as an herbal tea that reportedly helps reduce anxiety, induce sleep, promote perspiration, soothe sore throats, and comfort upset stomachs. As a culinary herb, its minty flavored leaves can be added to soups, stews, sauces, vegetables, or pasta. As a garden plant, catnip acts as a repellant for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs.

Nepetalactone is the active ingredient that affects most cats. To harvest catnip, cut stems to the ground and hang them upside down to cure in a warm location with good air circulation. When leaves are totally dry, crumble them into bags for storage or use immediately for a variety of purposes including herbal teas, potpourris and cat toy fill.

Plant in sun or shade.

Offered in-house. Subject to availability.