While there have been no studies that prove that catnip can cause adverse effects on cats, many owners have reported the same effects after giving the plant to their pets. This … However, this hardy plant did quite well. Below, you’ll find several steps to follow. At the same time you do your fall pruning, give your catnip plant a last drink of water. The essential oils contained keep mosquitoes at a distance, as they feel repelled by the smell. What does catnip do to dogs? It is also anti-fungal and a bactericide for Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of food poisoning. Ellen Douglas has written on food, gardening, education and the arts since 1992. You can also sprinkle dried catnip on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher, or you can roll a toy in it. Catnip Is For People Too! It is an essential oil found in the stems and the leaves of the Nepeta plant. Catnip Catnip flowers Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Nepeta Species: N. cataria Binomial name Nepeta cataria L. Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. Catnip is a vigorous and weedy herbaceous perennial native to Eurasia in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that is hardy in zones 3-9. Some cats like catnip so much that they lie on it, roll on it, and chew it to the point of destruction. Feeding plants -- especially with nitrogen-rich fertilizer -- encourages new stem growth, which makes the entire plant more vulnerable to winterkill. Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb that is a member of the mint family. There are plenty of catnip products available, ranging from cat toys filled with catnip, live catnip plants, dried catnip, catnip oil and even catnip sprays. It also is referred to as cat mint (or catmint, or cat-mint). Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. Catnip can tolerate dry soil. This type of catnip grows in hardy zones 3 to 9 and is a native plant of Europe, but can grow … Catnip is one of those plants you can plant directly from a seedling sprout, leaf cut, or seed directly on the soil. Another reason for cutting catnip … It can be used to stuff your pet cat's toys, as a treat for them, or even as a tasty home brewed tea for yourself! It looks like a leafy plant, but the central stem has an inflorescence. Some cats like catnip so much that they lie on it, roll on it, and chew it to the point of destruction. Catnip’s effects have a ticking clock—about five to 30 minutes, Rotman says. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial plant that resembles a typical mint plant.It originates from the plant family Lamiaceae, giving it a distinct appearance. The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. Fertilizer: Feed … The catnip plant is also used in herbal smoking blends to help someone quit nicotine. *Note: take your time and do not over-dry the catnip so you don't risk burning it. Catnip is a curious plant. Catnip is used by mouth, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled for many different conditions. Some indoor gardeners have a hard time providing catnip with the required supply of sunlight, but many others have figured out how to do so easily. What is catnip? Catnip is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa. A study found that intercropping the herb with collard greens reduced damage from flea beetles. Fresh Severed Grass. Feeding: Scratch ½ inch of compost into the top few inches of soil before planting catnip and side-dress plants with aged compost every spring. The underside of the leaves of the plant have glands filled with a chemical substance called nepetalactone. Its medicinal uses include treating headaches, nausea, and helping with anxiety or sleep disorders. Furthermore, do you cut back catnip in the fall? Catnip is an herb famous for its euphoric effect on cats. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies.. Catnip is a plant. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae, which has a square, hairy stalk with typically green/grey coloured heart-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Due to its resilient nature, catnip is able to grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 in any type of tolerant, well-drained soil. It’s known for attracting cats like a magician. When a cat chews or rubs on the leaves the nepetalactone oil is released. Catnip can also be used against mosquitoes. If a cat were to encounter catnip in the wild, it would be in the form of leafy greens growing on plants, not concentrated. The plant terpenoid nepetalactone is the main chemical constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria.Nepetalactone can be extracted from catnip by steam distillation.. Cultivation. Catnip is used by mouth, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled for many different conditions. The common catnip is … The plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. The plant recovers quickly from wilting, so it's best to err on the side of dry rather than too wet, which will encourage root rot. Catnip is an easy-to-grow perennial grown primarily for its fragrant foliage that is extremely attractive to cats. Commercial Growing. Prune after the first round of blooming to encourage a second flowering prior to winter. The ingredient that causes a reaction in cats is called Nepetalactone. The Latin scientific name of catnip is Nepeta cataria, but it can also be called catmint or catswort in some parts of the world. To limit access, use dried catnip leaves to stuff toys with or roll toys in, and then keep sealed and out of the way when not in use. For example, it is sufficient to place a plant in the pot from the balcony overnight in the bedroom or to distribute the catnip oil in diluted form on the body. If you've had problems with winterkilled herbs in past winters, you may find it helpful to provide heavier protection than simply mulching the root system. How to Grow Catnip Plants in 5 Steps. The main point of interest in the catnip plant, especially when it comes to cat owners, is the chemical compound that it houses. This plant thrives in soil with a pH range between 5 and 7.5. Catnip, Nepeta cataria, is an herb from the mint family that has long been known to be attractive to cats. In the wild, catnip seeds would be scattered by the wind, find somewhere to settle, and go through a winter before deciding to sprout in the spring. As a crop it is considered to be fairly short-lived though, and most commercial growers will treat catnip as a 2 to 3 year crop.. Harvesting catnip is quick and satisfying, especially for your cat. To make your cat more excited and do some movements, sprinkling a little catnip on a toy can help. Keep in mind, however, that catnip can also be easily grown in containers too. Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, it was imported to North America and now grows like a wild weed in every region. Basically, catnip plants suppress weeds. Dried catnip resembles oregano but is actually a member of the mint family. The underside of the leaves of the plant have glands filled with a chemical substance called nepetalactone. To harvest take a pair of sharp scissors and cut as cleanly as possible. Why do cats go goofy for catnip? Catnip is a common herb that you can cultivate in the garden but that also grows wild. Once this process is complete, you can crumble them up. Catnip sprays are a good option for cats that get an upset stomach from ingesting the plant. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut. Catnip may also have some medicinal properties for humans, although before using any herb as a supplement, it is important to speak to your doctor. Pull off a leaf or two and roughly crumple and rub a bit to release the natural chemicals before letting kitty sample some. But even if you live in a Mediterranean climate, the winter months can pose a hazard to catnip and other shrubby herbs. Nepetalactone, the oil in catnip that gives the plant its minty scent, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.. Just take some of the leaves and rub them over exposed skin the next time you’re in the garden and mosquitoes are biting. Catnip is an herb with a potent active ingredient that can have a range of effects on cats, provided they are of the roughly 70% of felines who are sensitive to this plant. Dried catnip is made from drying the plant Nepeta cataria. The antiseptic properties of Catnip make it a remedy for dandruff. Moisture = soggy catnip. Low Temperature for a Crown of Thorns Plant, Washington State University Extension: Catnip, Fine Gardening: Sheltering Plants for the Winter. Even some wild cats react to catnip. The flowering tops are used to make medicine. nuzree / Pixabay. You can spray your cat’s favorite toy or cat tree or cat scratcher. If used in a container, be sure it is large and heavy enough to not get tipped over by an overzealous cat. To harvest take a pair of sharp scissors and cut as cleanly as possible. If your furry friend likes the plant, don’t compare with the crazy effects of cate due to catnip, because cats get a buzz from the plant, while it has sedative effects for dogs.. But when they grow and it becomes a power struggle for space, the catnip wins. Cat owners always seem to be looking for a new toy that will capture the attention of their feline roommate for an hour or two, which is why so many of them have been intrigued and amused by the use of catnip. Aim for about 9 inches of stem from the base of the plant, including a green tip. To limit access, use dried catnip leaves to stuff toys with or roll toys in, and then keep sealed and out of the way when not in use. A vigorous herb, catnip can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a bright location outdoors. We know catnip … Source: Wikipedia Fresh plants provide the most pleasure. Growing New Catnip Plants From Their Seed Heads. A tea made from dried catnip leaves and flowers has long been used for stomach upset, fever and other flu symptoms, insomnia, and stress. I still get confused looks. Catnip & Insects. The Complete Book of Herbs: Lesley Bremness. The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. Catnip Companion Planting. This herbaceous plant from the mint family is safe for your dogs. Catnip can also be used against mosquitoes. Growing Hyssop and catnip together benefits both plants and the soft blue flowers of each makes a pretty border. For example, it is sufficient to place a plant in the pot from the balcony overnight in the bedroom or to distribute the catnip oil in diluted form on the body. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It will sprout in two to three weeks if started from seed. Whether or not the effects are negative will likely be determined by the owner and by the veterinarian the way the condition is diagnosed and if it has any type of illness that the animal is already receiving treatment for. It does not like shade and grows best open area, hedgerows, waste ground, near streams and border areas of fields. Cut the plant either to just above the ground or the inflorescences to the first leaf. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a relatively hardy herb, thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. “If the catnip is ingested, it causes fatigue and works as a sedative. Feeding: Scratch ½ inch of compost into the top few inches of soil before planting catnip and side-dress plants with aged compost every spring. Fresh plants provide the most pleasure. With a better idea of what catnip needs to thrive, it’s time to put hands to work and make it so. Read on to find out how do cats react to catnip. Catnip plants are fairly easy to grow and use as a continuous source of mosquito-repelling oils. Plant catnip in a place where your cats can rub and roll in it without hurting adjacent plants. They don't do this while they are small and have a small root system. For cats that sniff catnip and rub against the plants, they’ll get more of the stimulating effects,” Rotman said. Catnip is a wonderful, underrated herb. Catnip is a perennial plant, and a member of the mint family. If she responds positively, she’ll roll around in it, do a couple flips, maybe even drool a bit. Known as nepetalactone, this compound can be found in catnip stems as well as leaves and has the capability of pulling cats towards it. At the same time you do your fall pruning, give your catnip plant a last drink of water. The essential oils contained keep mosquitoes at a distance, as they feel repelled by the smell. View on Amazon. How to Grow Catnip. Catnip is also a great repellent for Japanese beetles, which may attack a number of plants including beans. This Eurasian native has become naturalized throughout most of the world, and is a hardy perennial in USDA Planting Zones 6 … This herb is from the mint family and is very easy to manage. Finally, avoid fertilizing catnip in late fall or in winter. Toys – catnips can work as a stimulant. A glass or plastic cover -- often known as a cloche -- acts as a mini-greenhouse to keep harsh weather out. Harvesting catnip is quick and satisfying, especially for your cat. A member of the mint family, catnip is also used in food and herbal remedies. Previously, she served as a communication specialist in the nonprofit field. If you grow the herb and have been wondering what to do with catnip that is left over from making cat toys, you have a lot of options. When a cat chews or rubs on the leaves the nepetalactone oil is released. Planting catnip in clumps makes a nice effect in the landscape. You can also feed catnip compost tea during the growing season. The carrier – add catnip to your cat’s carrier to encourage him to use it. "Plumping" up plant tissues with water also provides extra protection from frost. Trim the leaves off the stems of the plant then put the catnip inside a microwave-safe container with a cover. For example, tea made from the leaves and flowers of Nepeta cataria is said to relieve coug… The plant possesses a … Cutting back your catnip plant will not only neaten up its scraggly appearance during the dormant season, but remove most of the more cold-vulnerable new growth. So, while catnip’s effects on humans isn’t the same as in cats, the plant certainly is a welcome addition to the home herb garden for its numerous remedies, especially as tea. 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Growing Hyssop and catnip together benefits both plants and the soft blue flowers of each makes a pretty border. This gray-green foliage plant releases a chemical called nepetalactone, when rubbed, which works as a cat attractant.Catnip is also used to flavor salads, teas, and meat dishes. Plant catnip in a place where your cats can rub and roll in it without hurting adjacent plants. It is especially helpful for children who are not feeling well as a calming agent and to relieve digestive issues. Growing Catnip Indoors is possible, and with the help of these catnip plant care tips, you can grow it year-round in your home.. Catnip is a mint family herb. If you plant catnip directly in the garden, bear in mind that, like a lot of mints, it’s an energetic, sometimes invasive, grower. Although catnip can grow well under partial sun, it will become spindly, weak and ill if it doesn’t get the least amount of light it needs. Watering: Water catnip just as the soil dries out. Soil: Any good, fast-draining potting soil will likely do. Native to Europe, Africa and Asia and brought to North America by settlers, catnip is a weed type of plant, similar to mint in many aspects and which contains a lot of acids, tannins, sterols and volatile oils. Water: Catnip likes a steady supply of water, but good drainage is a must. Many people choose to cultivate catnip. It’s a plant that is easy to grow in North America and has feather-like, light-green foliage with lavender flowers. Plant catnip in containers and place near aphid-infested crops to encourage lacewings to settle in the garden. That is why the plant grows wild all over Europe and in North America. Choose the Source. Here are the most important tips for taking care of your plants. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. It is the nepetalcataria variety that most cats enjoy. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The herb is known to most felines as spellbinding, to which any catnip growing enthusiast will quickly attest. Locate catnip plants growing wild either on your property, or visit a garden store during the spring … This is all dependent on the cat because only two-thirds of adult cats are affected by catnip, according to a study . How to Grow Catnip. You can also feed catnip compost tea during the growing season. To keep the plant from baking on sunny winter days, shade part of the cloche with pine branches, burlap or shade cloth. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family labiatae. Pruning: Cut catnip back to the ground in spring to improve its growth and appearance. Normally you should give the cat only the portion of leaves cut for pruning. Watering. When dried, the scent of this plant is more concentrated and causes cats to respond to it very enthusiastically. To stratify or not, that is the question. Catnip will attract bees to your garden. You … Catnip likes sandy and loamy soils, preferring well-drained soil. Put it in the microwave for 15 to 30-second intervals. The plant is also an excellent deterrent if you’re dealing with potato bugs, asparagus pests, or annoying squash insects. The name says it all, or almost all. Heaping mulch around plants too early in the winter or not removing the extra layers at the end of winter can do more harm than good. Trim your catnip, leaving some leaves on the plant so it will continue to grow. How to Grow Catnip at Home : 8 Steps Your feline friends love catnip and you should be happy to making it available among the plants in your home, because it is rich in vitamins and, among the other properties, can induce vomiting, solving the thorny problem of hairballs that might clog the intestine of the cat, especially during the changeover summer period. 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