Nepeta cataria Catmint (Labiatae)

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Nepeta cataria
Catmint
(1 Page of 5)

The Nepeta cataria plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Labiatae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Catmint. Some home gardeners know the variety as Cataria vulgaris.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Nepeta cataria
Common Name:  Catmint
Family:  Labiatae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Roadsides and near streams[7]. Hedgerows, borders of fields, dry banks and waste ground, especially on calcareous and gravelly soils[4, 17].

General Uses: The plant is said to deter insects such as ants and flea beetles[14, 20, 201] as well as rats and mice[4, 200, 201]. (The idea behind it being a rat repellent is probably based on the plants attraction to cats, see notes above.) A strong infusion can be used to repel fleas from carpets or the fur of animals[201]. An extract from the leaves (called nepetalactone) has herbicidal and insect repellant properties[222]. The freshly harvested flowering tops contain 0.3 - 1% essential oil by distillation[218]. It is mainly used for medicinal purposes[218]. The dried leaves retain their fragrance and can be used in pot-pourri[245].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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