Nepeta cataria L.

  • Authority

    Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

  • Family

    Lamiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Nepeta cataria L.

  • Description

    Species Description - Taprooted perennial; 3–10 dm, branched above, finely and densely canescent throughout; lvs all cauline, triangular-ovate, cordate or truncate at base, 3–8 cm, coarsely toothed, the petiole half as long as the blade; fl-clusters 2–6 cm, continuous or interrupted, rather loosely many-fld; cal at anthesis 5–7 mm, weakly bilabiate, the lobes half as long as the tube; cor 8–12 mm, dull white, dotted with pink or purple, the lower lip crenulate; 2n=32, 34, 36. Native of Eurasia, now established in disturbed habitats throughout our range and w. July–Oct.

  • Common Names

    catnip