Catnip
Catnip
Catnip (/'kat,nip/), also known as Nepeta cataria, 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. It is also widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America.
Etymology
The term "catnip" is believed to have originated from the attraction the plant has on cats. The word is derived from the Old English words "catt" meaning cat and "nep", a variant of "naep" which is an old term for the plant.
Description
Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 50–100 cm. The leaves are triangular to ovate and the flowers are white to pale pink with purple spots.
Effects on Cats
The plant is well known for its behavioral effects on cats, an attribute caused by the volatile oil component Nepetalactone. When a cat smells catnip, it often exhibits several behaviors common to queens in season (females in heat): these include rolling, pawing, and frisking.
Uses
Catnip is used in herbal medicine for its sedative effect on humans. It is also used as a culinary herb for its minty flavor, and it is used in gardens as an ornamental plant.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Catnip
- Wikipedia's article - Catnip
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