Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a delightful herb that not only enchants cats but also adds a lovely touch to your garden or indoor plant collection. Whether you’re a seasoned home gardener or just ... A: Yes, there is a difference, and the names are sometimes used interchangeably.

Understanding the Context

While both are members of the Nepeta or mint family, they are actually two separate plants. Catnip (Nepeta cataria), is ... Cats go mad for catnip because chemicals released from the plant protect them against mosquitoes, according to new research. The common herb, also known by its taxonomic name Nepeta cataria, is a ...

Key Insights

Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name, from Latin nepeta (“catnip”), is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city. [2] For many cats, a mere whiff of catnip can send them into a licking, rolling, plant-shredding frenzy. Masao Miyazaki, a biologist at Iwate University in Morioka, Japan, and his colleagues analyzed the ... Catmint (Nepeta) plants are perennial ornamental herbs from the mint family, known for attracting pollinators and deterring insects.

Final Thoughts

These plants have gray-green foliage that gives off a mild fragrance and a delicate, lacy look. Learn how to grow catmint (Nepeta), a hardy, deer-resistant perennial that blooms for months. Get planting and care tips, variety info, and landscape ideas. Learn all about nepeta - choose the best ones to grow, where to buy, where to plant and care advice from RHS experts.