Catnip

Description

Open-pollinated. “If you set it, the cats will get it; if you sow it, they won’t know it.” Hardy perennial, will self-sow once established. Grows to 3′ tall and wide. Lavender blooms in late summer are a favorite of honeybees. Likes rich or sandy soils, tolerates poor soil and drought. Tovah Martin writes that rats are reputed to despise it, so it is sometimes used as a companion plant for melons and squashes. Calms mild stomach disorders, produces restful sleep and relieves fever when added to teas. Researchers at Iowa St. U. who claim catnip is a top-notch mosquito repellent suggest that rubbing crushed leaves on the skin is several times more effective than using DEET. Zones 3–8. ~1,400 seeds/g. Especially attractive to pollinators.