What’s the Difference Between Catmint and Catnip?

24.02.2024 - 16:33 / gardenerspath.com / Heather Buckner

Catnip vs. Catmint – What’s the Difference?

The common name catmint refers to a number of species in the Nepeta genus of herbaceous perennials in the mint family.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a long-used medicinal herb that drives kitties wild, while other species, including N. mussinii (syn. N. racemosa), N. nervosa, N. grandiflora, and N. x faassenii are attractive landscaping plants.

They have many similarities, and their common names are even used interchangeably sometimes, which may be why they are so often confused.

But N. cataria is a distinct species with notable differences.

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Continue reading to learn how to tell them apart.

It is true that catnip and species commonly known as catmint have quite a lot in common. They are low maintenance perennials that grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, and thrive in full to part sun.

Both attract pollinators and other types of beneficial insects, making them useful companion plants, and both are well suited for containers or borders.

So what sets them apart?

N. cataria, commonly called catnip, is a plant that’s famous for attracting cats. It contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone that causes that characteristic euphoria in our feline friends.

Other Nepeta species also contain nepetalactone, but in much lower concentrations.

It is also commonly used in herbal medicine, and can be made into a soothing tea for alleviating symptoms of indigestion and other ailments.

To identify catnip, look for toothed gray-green heart-shaped leaves, and small white or light pink flowers that grow on spikes. The square stems are also