Catnip, Official

Catnip, Official (Nepeta cataria)

Official Catnip is a fragrant perennial herb known for its appeal to cats and its long history of medicinal use. Beyond its well-known effect on felines, Catnip also plays an important ecological role, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden. Its leaves and flowers have been used for centuries in traditional herbal remedies, particularly for calming the mind and supporting digestion. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, Catnip is an ideal addition to herb gardens, pollinator landscapes, and borders.

Key Characteristics:

• Attracts Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
  The small white to lavender flowers of Catnip bloom from June to September, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. These beneficial insects help with pollination and pest control, making Catnip a valuable plant for supporting biodiversity in gardens.

• Traditional Medicinal Uses for Relaxation
  Catnip has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to ease anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. The leaves and flowers are commonly made into teas or tinctures to soothe the nervous system, relieve headaches, and calm upset stomachs. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful in treating minor skin irritations.

• Natural Pest Repellent
  Catnip’s strong scent is a natural repellent for pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and cabbage moths, making it a great companion plant in vegetable and herb gardens. This ecological function helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier garden environment.

• Enriches Soil and Supports Wildlife
  The deep roots of Catnip help improve soil structure and prevent erosion. Its presence in a garden supports beneficial wildlife like birds and insects, contributing to a balanced, thriving ecosystem.

• Perfect for Pollinator Gardens and Herb Borders
  With its low maintenance needs and ability to tolerate dry conditions, Catnip thrives in sunny gardens, herb borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Its soft, gray-green foliage adds texture to garden beds, while its ecological and medicinal benefits make it a must-have for natural gardens.

Product Details:

• Native range: Europe and Asia
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, dry to medium soils
• Mature height: 2-3 feet
• Bloom time: June to September
• Bloom color: White to lavender
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-9

Catnip is a pollinator-friendly herb that attracts beneficial insects, repels pests, and offers traditional medicinal uses. Ideal for herb gardens, borders, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.