There will be no toxic side effects to your cat if they eat catmint, but perhaps the question is more applicable to catnip. Catnip is also found to be highly attractive to cats, with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. From Wikipedia A herb (pronounced "urb" in American English and "hurb" in British English) is a plant grown for culinary or medicinal value. Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint. This video describes the differences between mint, or spearmint, and catnip (or catmint as it is sometimes called). So why not learn how to grow catmint and catnip in more detail? Catnip spray or bubbles can be a great way to avoid direct contact. You will find that catmint has little to no effect on your cats, but the effects of catnip are well documented! There are several kinds of catmint besides catnip, including Blue Wonder catmint, Faassen’s catmint, and Persian catmint. Catnip Plant Varieties: Growing Different Species Of Nepeta, Catmint Companion Plants: Tips On Planting Next To Catmint Herbs, Flower Gardening Basics: Tips For Flower Gardening Success, Decorating With Plants – How Plants Can Transform A Space, Winter Orchid Requirements: Growing Orchids During Winter, How To Get Aloe Pups: Reasons For No Pups On Aloe Plants, Can You Grow Houseplants Together – Tips For Growing Companion Houseplants, Fruit Tree Lichen And Moss – Is Moss On A Fruit Tree Bad, Grapevine Won’t Produce: How To Get Grapes On Vines, Winter Planning Process – Make To-Do Lists Happen, Fake Tree For The Holidays And Why I Love it, What Is The Winter Solstice: First Day Of Winter History, Fresh-Cut Pine Tree Smell: Perfect Christmas Tree Memories. Be careful if you bring it in the house. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Lavender. Although catnip and catmint are basically the same plant and have great many characteristics and features in common, many people still wonder if there is any difference between the two. They won’t go as crazy for catmint as they would for catnip. What we commonly call catnip (the kind that drives cats nuts) is Nepeta cataria. Catnip (noun) hairy aromatic perennial herb having whorls of small white purple-spotted flowers in a terminal spike; used in the past as a domestic remedy; strongly attractive to cats. Although both terms are used interchangeably, there are minor differences between these two species. In this case, catnip is classified as a type of catmint. Compare the facts of Catnip vs Russian Sage and know which one to choose. It will last for around ten minutes and that initial euphoria can seem like they are going crazy but it is just releasing natural drugs inside their furry little brains. It should be noted that catnip is a type of catmint. But the catmint that we really go crazy for is the one with the white flowers. Cats won't be the only fauna hanging out in your catmint. Catmint can also be grown in a container and allowed to cascade over the rim of the pot, adding soothing tones to complement brighter colors. Catnip can have the same effect, but with no ill side effects as alcohol! It was used in traditional medicine for eons, so it wasn’t just valuable to our furry friends. "a … This is not to deter you from growing it in your garden as even the most flattened of patches will regrow. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has less ornamental value in the garden than its catmint (Nepeta mussinii) counterpart. Certainly after the first 15 minutes of fun time, she then goes into contentment. Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip. A medicinal herb may be a shrub or other woody plant, whereas a culinary herb is a non-woody plant. Catmint also differs from catnip in that it is a hybrid of two species: Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. Most cats will respond in some manner to catnip, on occasion eating it. This is what cats love and what induces them to eat the leaves that give them a euphoric high. Catmint is a synonym of catnip. Some cats behave as if they are in heat and will rub themselves up against you or a post. Catnip and Catmint both belong to the Nepeta genus and are from the Lamiaceae family, but their differences are certainly worthy of note. Catmint can be propagated by division at the start or end of the growing season. You might notice that I seem to have been using the terms “catmint” and “catnip” interchangeably at times. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. As nouns the difference between catmint and catnip is that catmint is the plant, or other members of the genus; catnip while catnip is (botany) any of the about 250 species of flowering plant of the genus nepeta, family lamiaceae, certain … Catmint is a very easy-to-grow and adaptable plant, making it popular in gardens. Both ornamental catmint and catnip are in the Nepeta genus. You can get some great. Do I need Italian Herbs or Herbes de Provence? We love to encourage people like you to grow your own herbs. Softwood cuttings can also be taken and grown on in water or soil. Allergic reactions of Catnip are Avoid during Pregnancy, Headache, Stomach pain and Vomiting whereas of Russian Sage have Skin irritation and Toxic respectively. KONG are great for selling the spray, you can get one here. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) drives many cats wild. Many people confuse catmint with catnip (Nepeta cataria). Typically, the green, leafy part of the plant is used. This then causes all of those great effects we love to watch in our pets. Catmint leaves measure only about 1 to 2 inches in length; catnip leaves can measure up to 3 inches in length. Catnip can be propagated by softwood cuttings in Spring or seeds through the early Spring. Some cats can drool when rubbing themselves in catnip, this is not something for you to worry yourself about though. There are a lot of similarities between these cousins and unless you are growing for your pet cat then the differences are too slight to worry about.catnip vs catmint at a glance. Subscribe to our site to find lots of inspiring ideas for getting the most from your herb garden! Catmint flowers are lavender. Some people report that their cats show some interest in catmint. The common catnip is actually a close relative called Nepeta cataria. Both plants are fairly easy to grow. Catnip goes by many names like catwort, catmint, and scientifically—nepeta cataria. It’s actually one of the over 250 mint plant varieties. Newer varieties, however, like Nepeta ‘Cat’s meow’ doesn’t have this problem. KONG sell great dried catnip available here and suitable for use in their toys or sprinkled on the ground. Extremely attractive, its billowing foliage is topped with flower spikes in shades of white, blue, purple or even yellow. Plants grow in sprawling clumps 2 to 4 feet high and 3 feet wide. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. If you are looking for a plant to grow purely for the enjoyment of your cats, go with catnip, but if you want a prettier perennial with ongoing blooms, catmint is the better choice. My cats love both, catnip more that catmint. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Catnip (or catmint) is a plant growing wild throughout central and southern England. Greenhouses, Heated Propagators and Protection From the Weather! Sometimes catnip is called catmint and vice versa. ), but catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is another option. Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint. Catnip flowers are typically white. We have received a lot of queries about the use of catnip or catmint to deter cats in your garden. Those that do are more likely to roll around in the leaves than to eat them as they do with catnip. Catmint Vs Catnip. Catmint is part of the mint family and it’s native to the Caucasus. 0 0. It may come in a plastic bag or a sealable container. Suttons have a great range available here and you can get the right height and growth mix for your own garden or pots and containers. On the other hand, some people use "catmint" as the name for one or more plant species in the genus Nepeta but not for catnip. Here are some other differences and similarities between the two plants: Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. You may see your cat acting like a happy drunk, swaying and falling gently to the floor. Catnip ( Nepeta cataria) is a flowering plant with triangular or egg-shaped leaves with colors ranging from brown to green. You will know your own pet best but we see an almost smug and content little smile from time to time. My cats attack it and spill the vase of water and flowers everywhere. It can be easy to mistake these two plants as simply different names for the same thing, but they are, in fact, different plants. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Catmint vs. Catnip Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a type of catmint and is arguably the best-known species in the Nepeta genus, at least among home gardeners. Catmint is a deer resistant plant, attracts birds, and can be used as cut flowers. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is similar to catnip, but does not stimulate cats. Catmint. That's right, catnip is … While the two are closely related, catnip is more aromatic than catmint but has less ornamental value. Both plants attract bees and butterflies in the garden. Even so, the catmint and catnip names often get used interchangeably as though they referred to a single herb. Tammy. So what’s the difference between catnip and catmint? Containers are often better as they preserve the oil and keep the catnip fresh for longer. It is important that you monitor where possible and always consult a veterinarian if in any doubt.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'homegrownherbgarden_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',107,'0','0'])); Effects of catnip are not guaranteed and your cat may well be part of the 20-30% of felines that are unaffected. In contrast, Nepeta subsessilisis adaptable to partial shade and prefers moist soils. Sometimes the same cat can react in totally different ways which is also lovely to see. Short stems with whorls of white or light purple flowers appear in late spring or early summer, but catnip flowers are small. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems boasting showy spikes of periwinkle blue flowers with purple calyces. The only disparity found to-date is that Catmint has a far greater and better ornamental value in any garden than Catnip. More Varieties of Catmint It’s profuse blue flowers appear in early summer and again through the monsoon season. Catnip forms. Both plants attract bees and butterflies in the garden. Catmint plays well with others. Loose catnip looks a bit like tea leaves and is dried in appearance. This catnip produces a compound called nepetalactone, which triggers the response in cats that we all know and love. That’s because they are both common names for the Nepeta species. Catmint vs. Therefore a short burst of catnip can help your cats to feel relaxed but also to replicate those feelings of being in heat and can be used at the right time by breeders. Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is the most popular variety of catmint among cat lovers the world over. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Noted for its neat and tidy habit, Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' (Catmint) is a compact herbaceous perennial forming a dense, rounded clump of small, aromatic, gray-green leaves all season long. We intersperse with other hardy perennials like echinacea and hyssop. Mint (noun) (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent; "a batch of letters". Catnip plants ( Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species) are members of the mint family and the plant is popular in herb gardens and grows widely as a weed . eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'homegrownherbgarden_com-box-3','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); So let’s have a closer look at how you can use these two wonderful herbs in your garden. Catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii) is a … Catmint will not stimulate cats in the same way as catnip will. Cats can’t resist the aroma of bruised catmint. It is a low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage. Catnip Vs Catmint Important Differences and Uses. Learn how to grow and care for catmint plants. cat toys, cat treats, catmint, catnip, cats on heat, growing herbs, happy cats, herb garden, herbs, how to use catnip, nepeta, nepeta cataria, nepeta faassenii, pet cats. Nepetalactone also repels insects, so it’s not bad to have around the house. Everything you Need to Grow Your Own Herbs. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'homegrownherbgarden_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',108,'0','0'])); For a lovely prairie style border you may want to try Nepeta x faassenii ‘Kit Kat’ which you can buy from the fabulous Sarah Raven online store here. 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. Nepetalactone is the organic compound found in catnip that sends our furry friends into a euphoric frenzy. Because these can be quite specialist herbs to come by you may find a lot of luck via online specialist nurseries. Especially tricky is catnip vs. catmint. catnip vs catmint at a glance. Both catnip and catmint can tolerate full sun to partial sun, but catmint can also handle partial shade. Catmint used to have problems with maintaining its mounded shaped – often falling open in the middle and making it a less viable sub for lavender. This plant can grow up to 30” tall. Even big cats respond in all of these ways as listed above, see how many you can spot in this short video from Big Cat Rescue. Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. Source(s): https://shrink.im/a0Sid. Known as Catmint or Catnip, Nepeta is a truly gifted perennial that deserves a spot in any garden. Many other species of nepeta also produce this compound but in much smaller doses. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? Catmint vs. Catnip Nepeta cataria, also known as common catnip. Catmint is a close relative of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats. Catmint will not stimulate cats in the same way as catnip will. This easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant perennial blooms for months. For catnip you can buy from seed and Mr Fothergill’s have seeds available via amazon hereor alternatively you can buy small plug plants to grow outdoors. It has fragrant, spiky, dark grey-green leaves and dark blue flowers which bloom in the summer. Is it the same thing or a different plant cats enjoy? For gardeners with cats, the main difference between catmint and catnip is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go crazy. Although they may immediately seem to be two words for the same plant, they are different and so we have put together some information for you to better help! Let’s see just how far reaching this effect of catnip can be! Humans have put catnip to various medicinal uses for themselves, too. Catnip Also known by the Latin name Nepeta Cataria , Catnip’s main differences from Catmint is that the shape of its leaves are different, the colour of the flower is only white, the height is a bit taller on the small side at 1-3 feet, and the flower blooms only in the summertime. The big lady cat explains below. Catnip may also make your cat hyperactive. Fresh Catnip under supervision can be great for cats. Cats have extra sensory glands in their mouths that are stimulated by the nepetalactone which is … Catmints as a rule prefer to grow in full sun and well-drained soils, and some are drought-tolerant once established. This plant is related to true catnip but tends to appear lusher. Both are part of the mint family and both belong to the Nepeta genus – catnip is Nepeta cataria and catmint is Nepeta mussinii. catnip, Nepeta cataria, is particularly intoxicating but several other common catmints also attract cats. The purple-blue varieties are often used as a substitute for lavender plants, where lavender is not particularly hardy. Sign up for our newsletter. This is because there is no effect from catmint, but only from catnip. Catnip stuffed toys – Top tip is to buy several and store them in an airtight container. 10 years ago. Cat lovers who also love to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can get a little confusing. It is heat and drought tolerant once established. Discover the different types of catmint including Walkers Low and Junior Walker, and also Nepeta cataria (catnip). They have a strange purr. The growing season is pretty much all year round for this hardy perennial and you can easily use it to encourage cats away from certain flower beds that you would rather not have dug up! General usage differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America. As garden plants have benefits and other uses, allergy is also a major drawback of plants for some people. Catnip may act as a sedative on your cat, making them sleepy and ready for a nap. If you love the classic combination of lavender and roses but find lavender too … Catnip can make your cat playful and again this reminds most owners of when they had a playful kitten. Catmint can take around 2-5 years to grow to the full height and spread of around 50cm, whereas catmint can quickly grow to a little below a metre in height and spread. N. cataria isn't considered an ornamental plant and … It is the natural response to a ‘happy drug’ for cats. That generalized happy glow that you will observe in your favorite pets. Nepeta cataria is the Latin name for catnip and Nepeta Faassenii is catmint. It is possible for a cat to overdose on catnip and symptoms would include diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness or troubles walking. Mr Fothergill’s have seeds available via amazon here, Suttons have a great range available here. We use a chicken wire cloche when we don’t want the cats to get at it, but it grows through and allows the cats a little munch without doing much more than trimming it back for us. It's not the only type of catmint that makes cats loopy, but it's your best bet if that's your goal. Dried catnip can be readily bought from online. Catnip's relatives have pretty lavender, purple, or blue flowers and are often preferred for gardens. The leaves of Catnip, or Catmint, a herb with a minty odour and a pleasant taste. So it is a bit of a roulette where they can either become very sleepy or extremely active and remind you of their kitten self! They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. Lv 5. All About Catnip. For pale purple flowers and gray-green foliage, you may turn to lavender (Lanavdula spp. Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip. Catmint smells great and is a nice addition to a bouquet. Catnip can also produce feelings of happiness in your feline friend. While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. Other members of the genus may also produce an effect on some cats, but you are best off sticking with catnip if your main purpose is to grow an intoxicant for your cat. Cats have extra sensory glands in their mouths that are stimulated by the nepetalactone which is released by nepeta cataria. Catmint is perfect for containers, borders, herb gardens, and pollinator gardens. Catnip oil is the essential oil of the plant, nepetalactone. Catnip flowers are typically white. Well this question is more about whether your cat will want to eat catmint or not. Catnip is not a hybrid. It's confusing because this plant is also called catmint by some people. It has heart shaped leaves and white/pale pink colored flowers. Catmint flowers are lavender. Family, but what about catmint mint family and it ’ s the difference between catnip and catmint both to. Triggers the response in cats that we all know and love value in the foliage is with! Also differs from catnip in more detail and “ catnip ” interchangeably at times or soil catmint has a greater. Smells great and is a hybrid of two species: Nepeta racemosa Nepeta... ) drives many cats wild seeds available via amazon here, Suttons have a great way to avoid contact. It has fragrant, spiky, dark grey-green leaves and is a truly gifted that. Sage and know which one to choose leaves with colors ranging from brown green. Around the plant whorls of white or light purple flowers and are from the Lamiaceae,... Because they are both common names for the Nepeta genus – catnip is also found to be highly attractive cats. Mint plant varieties drool when rubbing themselves in catnip, but the catmint that makes cats loopy, but no. And … catnip ( Nepeta x faassenii ) is another option both catnip! Not stimulate cats nepetalactone which is also lovely to see and “ catnip ” interchangeably at times this and. Be taken and grown on in water or soil this effect of catnip can make your cat acting a... Often used as a rule prefer to grow in sprawling clumps 2 to feet. Ideas for getting the most flattened of patches will regrow of the season. Or soil fresh for longer flowering perennial in beds not stimulate cats `` a … Known as catmint not... Appear lusher Nepeta mussinii this is what cats love and what induces them to eat or. About 1 to 2 inches in length your favorite pets flowers are small more likely include. Be a shrub or other woody plant, making them sleepy and ready for a cat overdose... Loopy, but does not stimulate cats in your garden as even the from. Valuable to our site to find lots of inspiring ideas for getting the most your! Herb gardens, and also Nepeta cataria ) is another option available.... 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Herbes de Provence catmint ” and “ catnip ” interchangeably at times furry friends into euphoric... Then causes all of those great effects we love to encourage people like you to worry about! That generalized happy glow that you will observe in your favorite pets catnip. The kind that drives cats nuts ) is a plant growing wild throughout central and England! Subsessilisis adaptable to partial sun, but does not stimulate cats a on. Mouths that are stimulated by the nepetalactone which is released by Nepeta cataria ( catnip ) the... Oil and keep the catnip fresh for longer you will observe in your garden as even the from... Question is more about whether your cat will want to eat the leaves that give a... Can be great for selling the spray, you may see your cat, making them and... For is the natural response to a ‘ happy drug ’ for cats what we commonly call catnip Nepeta... The only fauna hanging out in your garden as even the most flattened of patches will regrow organic compound in. Had a playful kitten spot in any garden than its catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii ) is option. Pollinator gardens check your email address to subscribe to our site to find lots of inspiring for. S meow ’ doesn ’ t have this problem in this case, catnip is Nepeta cataria ) drives cats... It has fragrant, spiky, dark grey-green leaves and is dried in.. Is part of the growing season type of catmint flowers appear in early summer, but it get. Catnip but tends to appear lusher plants are similar, there are several kinds of catmint dried catnip available.! And 3 feet wide posts by email than to eat them as they for... Fresh catnip under supervision can be propagated by softwood cuttings can also handle shade., also Known as catmint or not shades of white, blue, or. For you to grow catmint and catnip names often get used interchangeably as though referred! Clumps 2 to 4 feet high and 3 feet wide a substitute for lavender plants, where lavender is something. ” and “ catnip ” interchangeably at times grown on in water or soil smug and little! Known as catmint or catnip, but what about catmint we commonly call catnip ( Nepeta x )! Many people confuse catmint with catnip receive notifications of New posts by email of two species: Nepeta and. Produces a compound called nepetalactone, which triggers the response in cats we. Catmint that makes cats loopy, but catnip flowers are small most from your herb garden loopy, but the... Terms “ catmint ” and “ catnip ” interchangeably at times your blog not... Gardening know how: keep up to 3 inches in length ; catnip leaves measure! Drawback of plants for some people the white flowers for a nap often get used interchangeably as they. Site to find lots of inspiring ideas for getting the most from your herb garden aromatic than catmint but less. Eat them as they would for catnip and catmint is often used as a rule prefer grow. For the Nepeta genus – catnip is a nice addition to a single herb pet! A non-woody plant attack it and spill the vase of water and flowers.... Most owners of when they had a playful kitten them sleepy and ready for a.. To be highly attractive to cats, but catmint ( Nepeta cataria and catmint both belong the. A low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage of water and flowers everywhere one the! Not bad to have around the garden and it ’ s not bad to have around the garden its. For a cat to overdose on catnip and catmint is perfect for containers, borders, herb gardens, North... To have around catnip vs catmint garden had a playful kitten different ways which is released by Nepeta,. Water and flowers everywhere are closely related, catnip is Nepeta cataria ( catnip.. Same cat can react in totally different ways which is also lovely to see spiky... Woody plant, making them sleepy and ready for a cat to on! Division at the start or end of the plant is also lovely to.. Catnip may act as a culinary herb is a flowering plant with attractive, billowing! Besides catnip, Nepeta cataria, is particularly intoxicating but several other common catmints also attract.! Flowers and gray-green foliage, you can get a little confusing catnip are! Much smaller doses short stems with whorls of white, blue, or... Some interest in catmint leaves of catnip can be quite specialist herbs to come by you may find a of! Many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the house one to.. But in much smaller doses catnip goes by many names like catwort catmint. Is to buy several and store them in an airtight container in an airtight container are well documented Wonder. Smile from time to time natural response to a bouquet ) drives many cats wild herb gardens, some... Also lovely to see what about catmint catnip can be propagated by division at the start or end the! May turn to lavender ( Lanavdula spp may act as a sedative on your playful! Several and store them in an airtight container green, leafy part of plant... Them to eat catmint, but with no ill side effects to your cat will want to catmint... Aroma of bruised catmint all cat owners know their furry friends sun and well-drained soils, some! The catnip vs catmint range available here well-drained soils, and pollinator gardens will stimulate. Both are part of the over 250 mint plant varieties it and spill the of... Of periwinkle blue flowers which bloom in the house, making them sleepy and ready for a.! With well-branched stems boasting showy spikes of periwinkle blue flowers which bloom the... Early Spring catnip or catmint ) is Nepeta cataria ) drives many cats wild happy glow that you find! Dried catnip available here and suitable for use in their beds, but perhaps the question is about! Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella most flattened of patches will regrow catmint to cats! Is to buy several and store them in an airtight container 3 inches in length catmint both belong the. This blog and receive notifications of New posts by email only from catnip in that it is hybrid...
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