Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Also called Catmint (true) and Cat's wort
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitCATS WILL FLATTEN IT. Grow it through a low wire cage or in a hanging basket, or you will have one crushed plant and a very happy neighbourhood.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground, then leave it — water at the base and then leave it — these want to dry out between drinks.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 0.75 m tall · 0.75 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Europe and central Asia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects cats.
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.