ExplorePlants

catmints

Nepeta

Catmints are lovely plants with soft, green leaves and pretty purple flowers. They smell wonderful and attract butterflies and bees, making gardens a happy place!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The catmints has fuzzy, grey-green leaves with a distinct minty scent and square stems. It produces tall spikes of small, tubular flowers that are often purple, blue, or white, making it a vibrant addition to any garden.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusNepeta
catmints
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
catmints

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ancient Egyptians may have used a type of catmint to calm their sacred cats!

Humans sometimes brew catmint leaves into a tea to help them relax before bed.

Its square stems and minty smell show it's related to many herbs like basil and oregano!

The scent of catmint can sometimes even make big cats, like lions, feel playful!

Special abilities

Ability

Cat Charmer

Catmints can produce a special chemical, nepetalactone, that makes many cats feel happy and playful!

Ability

Drought Defender

This plant has fuzzy leaves that help it save water, allowing it to survive in very dry places.

Ability

Pollinator Magnet

Catmints display vibrant, nectar-rich flowers that act like a beacon, attracting many helpful bees and butterflies.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-90 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Nepeta cataria

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or smelling plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is catmints?

30-90 cm

How wide does catmints spread?

30-90 cm

How big are the flowers on catmints?

0.5-1.5 cm

When does catmints bloom?

Late spring to fall

Is catmints edible?

Yes

Is catmints toxic?

None

What is catmints's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is catmints pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

More Plants