JENNY'S GARDEN                                                             

Nepeta cataria
(Catmint, Catnip, Catwort, Field Balm)

Family:  Lamiaceae  (Mint)
Origin:  Natiive to Europe
Light: Full sun/sun-part shade
Height:  4'
Spread:  1.5'
Blooms:  Fragrant, white, late-Summer
Foliage:  Aromatic, blue-green
Soil:  Well-drained, rich, mildly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline
Water:  Regular
Propagation:  Seeds (Sow directly onto ground before last frost)
Uses:  Herbal tea, container, mosquito repellent, fly repellent, medicine, back of garden, cat attractor, butterfly garden
Caution:  Plant can  be invasive

Comments:  Nepata cataria or Catmint or Catnip or Catwortor Field Balm is a herbal plant with a fast, shrubby growth habit.  It is a native of Europe.  In late Summer Field Balm bears fragrant white blossoms.  Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds enjoy the nectar-rich blossoms of  Nepata cataria.  Catnip is easily propagated from seeds.  It performs best in well-drained, mildly acidic soil in a sunny to part shade location.  Catmint self sows readily if spent blossoms are not removed.  It is a fast grower and can be invasive.  Grow it in a container to contain its spread or grow at back of the garden.  Catwort leaves are silvery green and look very attractive.  The leaves are best harvested in late Summer while plant is till in bloom; the dried foliage can be stewed to make a soothing herbal tea which aids sleep.  Used as a poultice it gives a numbing effect.  Nepata cataria is a cat attractor.  It is popularly cultivated by many hobbyists both as a herb and for the recreational enjoyment of their cats.      
   
USDA Hardiness Zones :  3-9