Catnip Nepeta cataria
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe, Middle East and central Asia. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Catnip in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Catnip at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | Europe, Middle East and central Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Catnip toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, stems
ASPCA lists catnip as mildly toxic: nepetalactone causes excitement in cats and vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Catnip
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Catnip
- How far apart should I plant Catnip?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Catnip need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Catnip need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Catnip?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Catnip flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Catnip poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. ASPCA lists catnip as mildly toxic: nepetalactone causes excitement in cats and vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten in quantity.
- What grows well with Catnip?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Catnip. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Cats may flatten or chew plants; protect young plants with a cage.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare