WSU Clark County Extension
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Catnip

Scientific name: Nepeta cataria
Taxonomy
Family:Lamiaceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 9
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:3 ft
Width:3 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:July to September
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Catnip is a favorite of domestic house cats. If left untended in the garden young plants will be completely destroyed by roaming felines. The only way to protect it is with wire netting.

  Morphology:
Catnip is an herbaceous perennial which can grow to 3’ in height and width. Leaves are heart-shaped and toothed and covered hairs. The foliage appears grayish-green in color.

The stems of Catnip are square in cross section, as is the case with other members of the mint family.
During the summer, small white or lilac tubular shaped flowers will form at the tips of the stems in the form of racemes. Flowering occurs from July to September.

  Adaptation:
Catnip plants enjoy sun and are drought-tolerant, making them good candidates for sunny, dry areas where many other flowers would struggle. This plant can do well in either full sun or partial shade. On the east Coast some gardeners consider it invasive.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234