Catnip

Nepeta cataria Origin: Eurasia Improvement status: Cultivated wild material Seeds per packet: ~200 BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED Life cycle: Perennial Catnip has become so ubiquitous — both in pet stores and as a naturalized plant in landscapes across North America — it's easy to forget what a remarkable plant this mint-family perennial is. Pollinators love the inconspicuous little white flowers, while it's a natural repellant to mosquitos. It has a long history of medicinal use and many people still drink catnip tea for its relaxing, sedative effects. It has also been used for cramps, indigestion, fever, and hives. But, of course, catnip is most remarkable for its effects on cats. Indeed, it's not simply a matter of cats liking the smell or taste of the stuff: it's scientifically demonstrable that catnip has very particular effects on the behavior of about two thirds of all cats! And it's not just domestic cats, but wild cats including lynxes, cougars, and leopards. These