Herbs · Everyday herb

Catnip

Nepeta cataria · also called Catmint, Nep · planet: Venus

A grey-green, mint-family herb with white, purple-spotted flowers that sends many cats into a happy frenzy.

In the garden

Full sun to part shade, poor to ordinary soil, drought tolerant. Protect young plants with a cage or cats will flatten them.

In the kitchen

A few leaves can be steeped as a mild tea.

Take care

• Safe for most cats and many find it exciting; kittens under about six months often do not react.
• Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.

Folklore and garden information only, not medical advice. Do not eat or use any plant unless you are certain what it is and that it is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medicine, or choosing for children or pets.

Where to buy

Dried herb

• Mountain Rose Herbs Organic dried herbs and botanicals.
• Starwest Botanicals Bulk dried herbs, spices and teas.

Seeds

• Botanical Interests Seed packets for herb and flower gardens.
• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

Live plants

• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

These links go to the seller websites themselves. We are not paid for them.