Catnip, sometimes also referred to as Kitty Crack, Catmint and Catswort, is an herb from Lamiaceae mint family, which is known to get cats high. This herb was initially found only in Asia and Europe. However, as soon as its uses were know to the world, people started Catnipgrowing it in most parts of the world. It is now found abundantly in the US and Canada. With more than 250 species of catnip, the uses of each are different. Listed below are some of the most common ones.
Nepeta Cataria (Common Catnip)
Most cats would enjoy having Nepeta Cataria. This herb can grow up to 3 feet. White flowers grow on this herb.
Nepeta Camphorata (Camphor Catnip)
This herb is known as camphorate mainly due to its camphor odor. It can grow up to 18 inches. The flowers can be easily differentiated from that of its other family herbs as it is usually white in color with purple dots.
Nepeta Parnassica (Greek Catnip)
The flowers grown on this herb are usually dull white and pale pink in color. This herb usually doesn’t grow more than 18 inches.
Nepeta Cataria Citriodora (Lemon Catnip)
It is known as lemon catnip mainly because the odor of the herb is lemony. The flowers are white with purple dots on it. This herb can grow up to 3 feet.
Catmint
This herb is the shortest of all, and can grow only up to 15 inches. The flowers are purpole, and leaves have greenish and greyish shade.
CatnipCatnip is used worldwide as a dose of entertainment for pets, mainly cats. After consuming a few leaves of the herb, the cats will get high within an hour or two. To assess whether or not the leaves or the flowers are effective on the cat, check for symptoms like rolling sideways on the ground, anxiety, drooling, etc.
Growing catnips is as simple as growing any plant. Get it from any of your neighborhood garden centre, and plant them in a location where adequate sunlight and water is available.