CATNIP.
Nepeta cataria L.
Other common names.—Catmint, catrup, cat’s wort, field mint. ( Fig. 20.)
Range and habitat.—This very common weed is naturalized from Europe, and is found in rather dry soil in waste places and cultivated land, about old buildings and along fences, from Canada to Minnesota and southward to Virginia and Arkansas.
Description.—The erect, square stems of this perennial herb of the mint family (Menthaceæ) grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet, are branched, and somewhat whitish in appearance from the covering of fine white hairs.
Fig. 20.—Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.)
The leaves are opposite and borne on stems, heart shaped or oblong, with an acute apex, 1 to 2½ inches long, evenly and finely scalloped, green above, beneath grayish-green with fine white hairs. The many-flowered clusters appear from June to September, and are borne in thick spikes 1 to 5 inches long at the top of the stems and branches. The flowers are white or somewhat purple, two-lipped, the upper lip two-cleft, the lower one three-lobed and sometimes spotted with red, the middle lobe broadest and round-toothed.
Parts used.—The flowering tops and leaves are to be collected when the plant is in flower and carefully dried. They have a strong mint-like odor and a bitter taste. The coarser stems and branches should be rejected.
Catnip is used in derangements of women, as a mild stimulant and tonic, and has a quieting effect on the nervous system.
Imports and prices.—Cataria or catnip is imported in but small quantities. The price paid for the flowering tops and leaves is from 2 to 8 cents per pound.