Catnip - Nepeta Cataria

Catnip, Nepeta cataria L., a perennial herb native to Eurasia and widely naturalized in North America, is well known as an attractant and behavior modifying drug for both domestic and wild members of the cat family. Indeed, the species name cataria is from the latin word for cat, indicating an early recognition of the special attraction of cats to catnip (14.1-3). This erect-growing plant, which can reach a height of one meter, has pubescent leaves and a spike-like inflorescent with purple-spotted white flowers.