Favorite of cat lovers, for cats relish the intoxicating leaves.  Given to the right cat, catnip can cause an amazing reaction! The cat will rub it, roll over it, kick at it, and generally go nuts for several minutes.

Catnip is a strong-smelling plant of the mint family. It grows to a height of 2 or 3 feet (61 to 91 centimeters). Catnip bears little clusters of whitish flowers with small purple dots. The downy, heart-shaped leaves are green above and whitish below. Catnip has been cultivated for centuries and used for medical purposes. A tonic made from the plant is said to be a good remedy for colds.

A major constituent in catnip, nepelactone, is quite similar in its chemical structure to the valepotriates, the sedative principles of valerian root. This helps to explain why a cup of hot catnip tea taken at bedtime insures a good night's sleep. The plants are harvested when in full bloom.

PERENNIAL (ZONE 3-9)