Nepeta cataria (Catnip)
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Semi-desert, foothills.  Gardens, fields, disturbed areas.  Spring, summer.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, May 8, 2007.

Nepeta cataria is at home in most of the United States.  It grows to over three feet tall, often in large patches.  White-to-pale yellow flowers are minute in swirled clusters.

Stanley Welsh (A Utah Flora) says, "Catnip has been used by generations of Utah peoples to make tea, which has a very pleasant flavor.  The softly canescent leaves are a pleasure to touch, and some cats... derive great satisfaction from [rolling in Catnip].  The species was early introduced into Utah."

In 1753 Linnaeus gave the name "Nepeta cataria" to plants native to Eurasia.  The scientific name is probably derived from the word "Nepete", an ancient city.

Nepeta cataria (Catnip)
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Semi-desert, foothills.  Gardens, fields, disturbed areas.  Spring, summer.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, May 8, 2007.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Nepeta cataria